MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday urged the 17 Metro Manila mayors to have uniform curfew hours to assure that the public can follow it in their cities as they “live and work in different local government units (LGUs).”
In a statement, DILG Undersecretary and spokesperson Jonathan Malaya that the public will not be confused if uniform curfew hours will be implemented.
“Mahirap po sa ating mga kababayan kung paiba-iba ang curfew hours dahil malilito po sila sa pagsunod nito (Filipinos will be confused if there will be different curfew hours.). It would also be easier for the National Capital Region Police Office to implement the curfew if the hours are uniformed across Metro Manila,” he said.
DILG proposed that curfew hours should start at 10 p.m. However, Malaya said the department will leave it up to the mayors.
“Violators should be fined or otherwise penalized for violating all health protocols especially the curfew,” he added.
DILG officer-in-charge Bernardo Florece Jr. earlier directed all LGUs and the Philippine National Police to implement a crackdown on quarantine violators, impose a curfew, and intensify the enforcement of minimum public health standards in all barangays as the cases of COVID-19 increase.
According to the DILG, LGUs in Metro Manila have imposed different curfew hours. Muntinlupa and Caloocan have 10 p.m.to 4 a.m. curfew hours; Malabon, Navotas, Quezon City, and Marikina have 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.; and Pateros and San Juan have 12 a.m.to 5 a.m.
Meanwhile, the curfew is set at 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. in Valenzuela, Pasay, Parañaque, Taguig, Las Piñas, Makati City, Mandaluyong City; and 12 a.m.to 5 a.m. in Manila and Pasig.
However, Caloocan and San Juan have recently extended its curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. in a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, as Metro Manila has seen a sudden increase in coronavirus cases.
Malaya also said that the minimum public health standards should strictly be imposed in all LGUs and violators should be fined based on the prevailing ordinances and contact tracing forms should be filled up or thru the StaySafe.PH app must also be a must in establishments and workplaces.
“LGUs should also see to it that there is good ventilation in workspaces and other settings to prevent the transmission of the virus,” he added.
LGUs can implement a localized lockdown without the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases. – Liezelle Soriano Roy, trainee
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