PNP to heighten drive in local ordinances amid pandemic

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will heighten its drive in enforcing local ordinances in coordination with local government units amid the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

“Upon instructions of President Rodrigo R Duterte, the Philippine National Police is stepping up the anti-crime drive and enforcement of local ordinances in coordination with the Local Government Units to arrest the rise of common street crimes amidst the national health emergency,” PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said in a press conference on Monday.

Gamboa said that the PNP, through the Directorate for Operations, has issued a memorandum to all police regional offices and national operational support units to remind all police commanders to ensure the implementation of local ordinances in their jurisdictions.

The PNP chief ordered police commanders to ensure the strict implementation of laws and local ordinances through the arrest of violators such as those drinking and smoking in public places, roaming the streets without shirts, and using karaoke beyond the allowed time.

Police should also enforce applicable local ordinances on minors violating curfew hours, as well as health protocols on social distancing, mass gatherings, and the wearing of face masks.

Gamboa likewise ordered his subordinates to increase police visibility in all places of convergence.

“I would like also to remind the public that we are still under community quarantine and as such, should strictly follow the health protocols to stop the spread of the virus. Cooperation and compliance are a must in this time of health crisis,” he added.

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