House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez of Leyte. (File photo by RICHARD A. REYES / Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MANILA, Philippines — The Peace and Order Cluster of the House of Representatives’ Defeat COVID-19 Committee is holding a meeting to discuss measures being implemented in relation to public security during the coronavirus pandemic.
In his opening speech, House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez noted how the pandemic is not only a “significant threat” to public health but to the maintenance of national peace, order and safety as well.
“We are aware that with the declaration of an extended community quarantine, a myriad of problems cropped up such as massive loss of jobs, threatened sources of livelihood, impaired mobility of food supply, and dreadful sense of well-being,” Romualdez said.
“We also know that when people are hungry, frustrated and angry, the potential for social unrest, violence, and confusion increases,” he added.
This “threat of social upheaval,” Romualdez said, would undermine the country’s abilities to fight the pandemic.
“We cannot allow hunger, frustration, and hopelessness to reign among our people. This unprecedented global health emergency must be our sole motivation to employ measures that will ensure the safety, security and protection of our citizens,” the majority leader said.
Romualdez said that while a majority of the public have chosen to abide by the protocols set by the government particularly on quarantine measures, there are a few who are recalcitrant.
“Unfortunately, incidents involving these errant citizens are the ones hogging the limelight in traditional and social media. We have to keep appealing to these people: please stay at home and keep your families safe. We can only win this fight if we will take care of ourselves and be mindful of the welfare of others,” Romualdez said.
The majority leader also lauded the police and military who are in the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus.
“Mabuti po at naririyan ang ating mga pulis para magpatupad ng batas. Natutuwa tayo at kaagapay nila ang ating mga sundalo sa panahong ito. Alam natin na hindi sila nagpapabaya sa kanilang tungkulin,” Romualdez said.
During the meeting, several lawmakers are expected to present their recommendations and proposals on related to maintaining peace and order during the pandemic.
Among the measures implemented by the national government to prevent the further spread of the disease is enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the Luzon region which was recently extended until May 15 in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, as well as the provinces of Pangasinan, Benguet, Albay, Catanduanes and the Mindoro provinces.
However, the imposition of the quarantine has raised some concerns in relation to public order and safety.
Just recently, retired Army Cpl. Winston Ragos was shot dead at a quarantine checkpoint in Quezon City by QCPD policeman Mst. Sgt. Daniel Florendo for allegedly trying to pull out a handgun when accosted for violations of enhanced community quarantine protocols.
Ragos allegedly tried to pull out a handgun from his sling bag after the police asked him to return home and follow quarantine protocols.
But videos of the incident showed residents of the area pleading to police officers to stay calm and said that the former soldier was suffering from a mental disorder. There are also reports that Ragos did not really have a gun in his possession.
On Monday, a foreign national protesting the Makati policemen’s intrusion into his private property was tackled to the ground and was nearly arrested for alleged violations of quarantine rules.
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said it will conduct an investigation on the altercation.