PNP to support Duterte’s tougher measures vs quarantine violators

April 17, 2020

The chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said they support the intention of President Rodrigo Duterte to decisively enforce a total lockdown as the number of violators of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) continues to increase.

“The Philippine National Police stands squarely in support of President Rodrigo R Duterte’s intention to decisively enforce a total lockdown for the entire period under Enhanced Community Quarantine,” said Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa in a statement.

Gamboa said some local government executives have signified approval to more radical proposals to impose tougher measures against ECQ violators.

“Maybe some violators feel they can get away with our enforcement of quarantine rules and local ordinances,  only because we are not under ideal conditions to detain all law offenders, except to complete the mandatory requirements of documentation and booking,” he said.

“Trust me, their brush with the law today will not go unpunished. There will be a day of reckoning for all lawbreakers when we shall find the appropriate time to directly file criminal charges in court to begin their agony of criminal prosecution,” he added.

Gamboa said police personnel reacted with compassion to certain situations involving people’s need for food and basic necessities, and they will continue to be reasonable and fair.

“But because so many people are willfully violating government orders to remain indoors, their bold acts of disobedience are making containment efforts against the virus less effective.  Worse and more troublesome for the police, it is taking its toll on police personnel manning the Quarantine Control Points who risk exposure to unusually heavy crowding of unauthorized persons,” Gamboa said.

The PNP said it has 65 confirmed COVID-19 cases, 40 of whom remain in sick bay, 14 are under home quarantine, eight have recovered, while three have succumbed.

Gamboa said a crackdown on unauthorized travel is  imposed by the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) along major roads in Metro Manila.

“I have issued instructions to all Police Regional Offices to strictly implement the same prohibition in their areas of responsibility following the guidelines of the IATF-MEID that categorically identifies Authorized Persons Outside of Residence, with emphasis on special consideration for frontline workers in the medical and healthcare, security, essential services, agricultural and utilities sectors,” he said.

In coordination with LGUs, PNP line units are also instructed to launch a crackdown on illegal activities,  violation of rules on physical distancing and gathering of persons, including illegal cockfights, card games, mah-jong, and drinking sessions in public places.

“I call on all regional directors to put action to the strong words of the President. I expect all of you to support this,” Gamboa said.

Gamboa said the PNP shares Duterte’s call on all Filipinos for a little more sacrifice and greater optimism of better days ahead. Ella Dionisio/DMS