Cops to provide security to LGUs in relief distribution

March 22, 2020

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said security assistance will be extended to the local government units (LGUs) during their distribution of food and relief items in residential areas.

PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Bernard Banac, in a radio interview on Sunday, said the security assistance will ensure that social distancing and proper distribution of relief packs will be observed.

"(T)he presence of police personnel is needed so that the social distancing will be maintained and that the people won't try to get ahead of each other," he explained.

He also advised the public to wait inside their houses to avoid chances of getting infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

"Those who will distribute the relief items will go to each house and they will be accompanied by the police for their security," said Banac.

The spokesperson also called for local government heads to coordinate with the police before implementing new policies in relation to the enhanced community quarantine.

"We can't have our own different policy. There should only be one (policy) implemented by the government," he said.

"I call for our (local government) officials to communicate with local police. The local police already have a directive and they can tell you what should be followed amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine," he added. Cristina Eloisa Baclig/DMS