PNP to go after ordinance violators, especially curfew due to ECQ

March 24, 2020

  The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday vowed to intensify law enforcement operations targeting local ordinance violators, especially minors  caught outside their homes despite the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Luzon to mitigate the spread of 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) in the country.

According to PNP chief, Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa, seven days after the ECQ took effect, they will continue to apprehend people violating the strict home quarantine in public areas.

“We pressed charges against the violators. On the case of minors, they were segregated from the adults and were turned over to their parents or guardian. If in cases there were no guardian or parents to fetch them, they will be turned over to local social welfare officer,” Gamboa said.

Gamboa reminded parents to look after their children, particularly minors.

“To the parents, please see to it that your children, especially minors to stay at home with you. Go out only if necessary for emergencies or health related reasons but only one person is allowed to go outside. Help us to win this fight, cooperation is a must,” he said.

“Save your life, save our frontliners' lives. Stay at home. PNP is your ally against Covid-19,” he added.

In a separate statement, the chief of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said the Manila Police District  Sampaloc Station arrested 98 violators, including minors, of City Ordinance 8616 imposing Manila-wide curfew hours from 8 pm to 5 am.

"We have laws and we are here to implement them especially at times like this. This is no ordinary battle. We are facing a pandemic -an unseen enemy. We plead cooperation from the people of the Metro to help us out in ensuring that this virus will no long spread. Please stay home,” Police Major General Debold Sinas said.

Minors were separated from adult violators, their temperatures were checked, taught about proper hand washing and sanitation and were lectured about the importance of proper hygiene and staying home. 

  Sinas also debunked a photo which circulated on social media that curfew violators in Parañaque City were allegedly punished by sitting under the sun. 

"According to the Station Commander, the violators were not tortured or detained illegally, the Barangay Chairman and other barangay officials were merely recording their names to determine the recidivists and for future reference," he said.

He added violators were immediately released with the assistance from Parañaque City Police.

"We reiterate our call to be vigilant by not spreading news or information that may cause undue alarm to the public at large. While we implement our mandate, we assure to uphold the rights of our people," Sinas said.

PNP said violators of the enhanced community quarantine may be arrested and charged under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act 11332 or Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act considering the gravity of the present situation.

Due to ECQ, local government officials implemented curfew  in their areas as measure to address the spread of COVID-19. Ella Dionisio/DMS