JTF COVID now on Facebook to accept reports of quarantine violations

MANILA, Philippines — The Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield on Saturday said it has created a Facebook account where people can report violations of quarantine rules.

In a statement, JTF COVID shield commander Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the move is part of an effort to empower people “not only to help the government in the enforcement of the quarantine rules but also in protecting themselves and their community from hardheaded people who defy the protocols on observation of minimum health safety standard.”

“Through the Facebook account of the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, they will be given a platform to immediately report to us any blatant violation of quarantine rules such as engaging in drinking sessions, large parties and celebration, and even illegal gambling in public places. All they need to do is to send us the photos and videos and we will take care of the rest,” he added.

Eleazar said that those who would want to report quarantine violations on social media could either tag the JTV COVID Shield Facebook account or send photos or videos of violations through Messenger.

The JTF COVID Shield commander also assured that the identity of netizens who will be reporting such violations will be protected.

“The PNP will not monitor private social media accounts because first, it is illegal, and second, our local police stations do not have the capability to do it,” he said.

“What we would monitor are blatant violations of quarantine rules such as drinking on the streets and other public places, large parties and celebrations, and illegal gambling such as tupada that are posted by netizens out of frustration for violation of quarantine rules, those reported directly by the netizens to the police through the social media accounts of various police stations and PNP units, and those who would go viral in the social media,” he added.

Eleazar previously said that the police will monitor social media in search of people who defy quarantine rules. 

But Philippine National Police chief Gen. Camilo Cascolan clarified that the police will only monitor such posts set for public consumption.

/MUF