The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday (May 10) said it will start providing free face masks to violators of ordinances mandating their use.
According to PNP Chief Police Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, violators of face mask ordinances will be “booked and investigated,” not imprisoned.
The violators will be given masks to protect investigators and other violators from COVID-19 transmission while they are being held for a maximum of 12 hours for investigation and the booking procedure.
They will also undergo a records check to determine the existence of previous arrest records for similar offenses, for which the appropriate penalty for repeat offenders will apply.
Those found with outstanding warrants of arrest will undergo further appropriate police action in coordination with judicial authorities.
Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker and Manila 6th District Rep. Benny Abante Jr. expressed his support for Eleazar’s move to eradicate irregularities within the police force.
“We have seen in the past few months some disturbing incidents involving the PNP, and it is clear that the institution needs honest, decisive, no-nonsense leadership in order to prevent such tragedies,” Abante said.
“The PNP is in need of reform and of some serious course corrections, and we pray that Gen. Eleazar will pursue these in order for the PNP to truly fulfill its mandate to serve and protect our citizens,” he added.
Abante also called for a thorough investigation into the shooting incident between the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) last February. – PNP/AG-jlo
