MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa is asking condominium owners and managers to police their residents by sending reminders on the wearing of face masks and the observance of social distancing during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“Sana naman the management themselves, sila na mismo magpolice ng kanilang facilities na magoobserve yung sa wearing of mask, social distancing. Napaka-simple sana para ‘di na magkagulo,” the PNP chief said over dzBB when asked about the incident involving police officers who allegedly trespassed into a gated condominium compound in Taguig City while enforcing lockdown measures.
(I hope the management themselves will police their residents to observe wearing of face masks and social distancing. It is very simple so that there will be no problems.)
Last Sunday, April 19, police officers reportedly barged into the Pacific Plaza Towers (PPT) in Taguig City to prevent building residents from gathering by the side of the pool. Condominium residents said they plan to file a complaint against the police officers who entered the condominium compound without authorization.
The government said it will investigate the incident.
Meanwhile, Gamboa said the PNP has secured photos showing that the PPT residents have violated social distancing measures as ordered by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“There were pictures taken e, there were violations of social distancing inside the condominium,” Gamboa said.
Gamboa reiterated that implementing lockdown measures should be equal for all, noting that law enforcers entered the condominium to act on a complaint about violations of the ECQ protocols.
“Ang sakin lang, kapag nag-implement ng batas dapat walang pinipili. Dahil ba condominium may mga privileges na ganyan?” he said.
(For me, when we enforce the law, we do not choose anyone. Just because they are in a condominium, they will have privilege?)
“Ang sakin lang, nagreact lang yung police, nagresponde lang over a violation of an ECQ guideline,” he added.
(For me, police were just reacting, responding over a violation of an ECQ guideline.)