PNP: Authorities to be ‘stricter’ in implementing community quarantine

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities will be stricter in enforcing the community quarantine within Metro Manila in its second day of implementation to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“We would like to ask the patience and cooperation of our commuting public because they (authorities) would be stricter in our implementation of our community quarantine,” Maj. Gen. Benigno Durana Jr., acting PNP spokesperson, said in an interview with CNN Philippines on Monday.

Amid the inconvenience being experienced by the riding public due to government checkpoints, Durana assured that there are enough police, military, and other state uniformed personnel to implement the community quarantine.

“We are trying our best but our primary consideration is to prevent the spread of the virus. Definitely, we must admit that there will be a lot of inconvenience but I think the safety and protection of our people are paramount than the temporary convenience of our riding public,” he said.

Checkpoints were set up by authorities at 56 major thoroughfares going in and out of Metro Manila. Durana said these are manned by over 1,900 state personnel.

Personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard and the PNP Maritime Group are meanwhile stationed at checkpoints in seaports, according to Durana.

President Rodrigo Duterte announced Thursday night that he was placing the entire capital region under community quarantine to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Under the community quarantine, land, domestic air, and domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila were suspended starting March 15 until April 14.

RELATED VIDEO