Over 87,000 individuals violated quarantine, says PNP

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 87,494 individuals have violated quarantine protocols in the last three weeks, of which 21,996 were arrested, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Data provided by Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, head of the Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield, on Monday showed that of the violators, 48,635 are from Luzon where the monthlong enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) is currently in place. Another 16,612 came from Visayas, and 22,209 were from Mindanao.

They were described as “curfew or disobedience violators” in the PNP data provided by Eleazar, who is also the PNP deputy chief for operations.

Of the total number of arrested violators, 4,206 were already subjected to inquest and 17,790 are due for regular filing of complaints.

Another 61,314 were warned while 4,184 were fined, according to the PNP data.

The figures were from March 17 to April 5.

Meanwhile, a total of 647 individuals were arrested for hoarding or profiteering of essential items during this time of crisis.

A total of 7,719 drivers of public utility vehicles were apprehended. Mass transport was suspended over Luzon and other select areas as a measure against the spread of COVID-19.

The entire island of Luzon was placed under ECQ, while some areas in Visayas and Mindanao were also placed under strict quarantine in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, which as of Sunday had infected 3,246 individuals and left 152 people dead. A total of 64 patients have also recovered.

EDV