Manila deploys 400 COVID-19 safety marshals

MANILA, Philippines — About 400 Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) enforcers have been designated as COVID-19 safety marshals in the nation’s capital.

Manila City Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso on Tuesday led the deployment of COVID-19 safety marshals at the Kartilya ng Katipunan.

The mayor said the COVID-19 safety marshals will assist the city’s police and barangay officials in enforcing public health protocols under the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).

President Rodrigo Duterte recently approved his Cabinet’s recommendation to implement MECQ in Metro Manila from August 4 to August 18 in response to an appeal made by medical frontliners.

“Kayong lahat ay sanay sa kalsada. Araw-araw na ginawa ng Diyos marami na kayong nakitang makukulit, marami na rin kayong experience sa pakikiusap sa mga tao. Alam ko ang sinasaway niyo lang ay driver, pero simula sa araw na ito, ang sasawayin niyo na ay taumbayan,” Domagoso told the COVID-19 safety marshals.

(All of you are used to the streets. In every day that was made by God, you have seen many who are stubborn, and you have a lot of experience with talking with people. I know you only reprimand drivers, but starting from this day, you will be reprimanding the public.)

“We will help our uniformed personnel in the PNP and the MPD. We will augment them for their effort to keep peace and order of the city,” he added.

Domagoso said the 400 COVID-19 safety marshals comprise about half of the MTPB’s traffic personnel.

As deputized civilian personnel, the Mayor said they will help police and barangay personnel to call out residents caught violating public health protocols.

He reminded the safety marshals of existing city laws mandating the use of face masks, compliance with physical distancing protocols, as well as general curfew.

“Sasawayin natin ang mga hindi sumusunod sa batas, pero hindi natin kailangan maging mainitin ang ulo, hindi tayo kailangan maggagalit-galitan. Magagalit lang tayo kapag talagang may tiyak na kagaguhan, kawalanghiyaan, katalonggesan,” Domagoso said.

(Let’s reprimand everyone who won’t follow the law, but we don’t need to be hotheaded or angry. We will only get angry when there is certain mischief, impertinence, or deception.)

“While you’re still in government, I want you to see the Manila Clock Tower as a symbol of hope for our city. Maging pamantayan natin. Hanggang nakatatag yan, hanggang nakatayo yan, may Pamahalang Lungsod na magmamalasakit sa kanyang mamamayan,” he said.

(Let it be our standard. As long as the Manila Clock Tower is standing, the city government will care for its citizens.)