Police and social welfare officials to ”rescue” indigenous people caroling in streets

December 8, 2020

The commander of Joint Task Force COVID Shield on Tuesday said he ordered police commanders to coordinate with their local social welfare and development office so they can ''rescue'' indigenous people who are caroling in the streets amid the COVID-19 threat.

Lt. Gen. Cesar Hawthorne Binag told a press conference said the Philippine National Police (PNP) are now preparing for the Christmas season.

“We noticed that there are already carolers in the street… These are the indigenous people… So all police commanders are directed to coordinate with their social welfare office of their LGUs (local government units) to rescue them so that they will not be infected and will not infect others with COVID-19,” Binag said.

  Binag said they will work closely with local government units in ensuring quarantine and minimum health protocols are being followed.

  He said the PNP already doubled their personnel deployed in public convergences, like malls, shopping centers and train stations.

  Earlier, Interior Secretary Eduardo Ano said caroling in the streets is not allowed for this year due to the threat of COVID-19. Ella Dionisio/DMS