NCRPO says cops can enter posh subdivisions

April 28, 2020

The chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Tuesday said exclusive villages and subdivisions areas not “immune” from the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

In a virtual presser, Police Major General Debold Sinas reminded residents of private areas  they are not exempted on following the guidelines set by the government.

“Subdivisions or gated villages are not excused or does not have immunity. The private subdivision, they will open their gates if something happen and police are allowed to patrol in their area.They know that,” Sinas said.

The NCRPO chief made the statement following the confrontation incident between a police and a foreigner inside Dasmarinas Village in Makati City last Sunday.

Sinas reiterated that it was the barangay chairperson who requested for police assistance as some residents are violating the ECQ guidelines by going around the village and not wearing face masks.

“If you are talking about the Makati (incident), the police did not violate (the law)… he talked (with the foreigner) for so long… as long as you are following the law, we will not have any problem but the problem is you insist and act too much that you blame the whole government, that is a different thing,” Sinas said.

Based on their meeting Tuesday, Sinas said the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) will release a recommendation reminding owners of private residences that they are not excused from following the ECQ.

He said this incident is not isolated, recalling the incident in Bonifacio Global Center, Taguig where another cop was involved for alleged abused of authority.

“They (police) will talk, caution them but it has limitations.  If they know that what is happening is already too much, then they will need to invite them to the police station,” Sinas said.

“If they are conducting (Oplan) Bandillo, we remind them of maximum tolerance.Don’t act too much, don’t use violence, don’t use guns if your life is not at threat… we remind them of the SOP (standard operating procedures),” he added.  Ella Dionisio/DMS