PNP reports 300,000-plus quarantine violators

More than 300,000 individuals were apprehended during the 26-day implementation of the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila, according to the Philippine National Police.

From Aug. 21 to Sept. 16, the PNP said it flagged 327,551 or an average of 12,602 violators per day.

This was higher than the 10,711 average daily apprehensions when the National Capital Region was under the strictest enhanced community quarantine from Aug. 6 to 20.

Based on PNP data, a total of 224,626 or 68.5 percent of them were accosted for violation of the rules on minimum public health standards, including the proper wearing of face masks and face shields, and observing physical distancing.

A total of 87,729 (26.8 percent) were apprehended for loitering past the curfew hours set at 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. the next day, while the rest were flagged for the ban on unnecessary travel for nonauthorized persons outside residence.