Police to enforce protocols despite alert level downgrade

REUTERS FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Strict enforcement of health protocols by police officers will remain despite the downgrading of quarantine measures in Metro Manila under a less restrictive alert level 3, according to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Guillermo Eleazar.

Just two days before the start of the implementation of the new alert level system, Eleazar ordered on Thursday all unit commanders in the National Capital Region to study its guidelines in order to properly implement them.

“I have instructed all police unit commanders in Metro Manila to immediately cascade to their men on the field the guidelines for the imposition of alert level 3 to avoid any confusion in enforcement from Oct. 16 to 31,” he said, adding that local police should keep their coordination with the local governments in the implementation of the regulations.

Currently, 1,143 police officers were deployed in Metro Manila in 34 quarantine control points and in more than a hundred vaccination centers to enforce minimum public health standards, including the proper wearing of face masks and observing physical distancing.

Most services allowed

Under alert level 3, most business establishments, facilities and services are allowed to open at varying degrees.

Establishments can operate at 30-percent indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50-percent outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

Leisure establishments, including cinemas and theaters, will be allowed for the first time in more than a year.

The PNP chief, however, urged the public not to be complacent amid the decision of the government to relax the community quarantine status and the decreasing COVID-19 infection in Metro Manila.

“The lowering of the alert level and easing of restrictions do not mean that we should be complacent. COVID-19 is still here, so we should continue to follow health protocols,” he said.