SAF commandos deployed in 10 NCR areas for ‘strict’ lockdown rules

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday deployed commandos of the Special Action Force (SAF) to enforce strict lockdown protocols in 10 areas in Metro Manila where police recorded “prevalent” enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) violations.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PNP PIO.

“They will assist the local police in enforcing the ECQ. We believe that the presence of our SAF commandos will further compel hardheaded people to behave and follow the ECQ because our SAF are tough and strict when it comes to discipline,” Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, head of the Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield (JTF CV Shield), said in a statement.

Eleazar said around 100 SAF commandos were initially deployed in Blumentritt in Sta. Cruz, Manila; Libertad in Pasay City; Pasig Palengke; Napindan, Taguig; Lower Bicutan, Taguig; Public Market of Las Pinas City; North Caloocan; Alabang Public Market; Bagong Paranaque Public Market; and Marikina Public Market.

Eleazar said they plan to increase deployment of  SAF commandos to implement tougher social distancing and home quarantine measures.

The police official also encouraged the public to post complaints on violations of ECQ rules on social media.

“We are also encouraging the public, particularly our netizens, to report to us any violation of the home quarantine and social distancing. We assure you that we will immediately act on your complaint or report,” he said.

As of April 20, PNP documented 136,517 individuals who breached quarantine protocols in the country.

EDV