PNP to assist in barring unvaxxed from entering malls, other establishments
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police on Wednesday said that it will assist in the implementation of the requirement that valid vaccination cards be presented upon entry to malls and other public establishments in Metro Manila.
This came after local government units in Metro Manila, which is currently under Alert Level 3 status, passed ordinances that prohibit unvaccinated individuals from going outside their residences, except for essential trips.
According to the PNP, it will “assist in the enforcement of mandates that will require the public to present valid vaccination cards upon entry to malls and other establishments if there is an ordinance affecting this action.”
“We asked our personnel on the ground to coordinate properly with the LGUs so there will be a clear and uniform direction on how to implement ordinances including the exemptions to the rule, should there be any. We don’t want to end up with varied interpretations on the actual application of the provisions,” PNP chief PGen. Dionardo Carlos said.
According to Carlos, each establishment also has the responsibility to instruct its security officers about the local orders. The PNP will then assist in case tension escalates between security and the public.
“We remind these private security officers to keep their cool and learn to diplomatically explain the basis of such policy,” Carlos said.
Carlos then clarified that all police actions are founded on lawful and legal regulations. In this case, the police are duty-bound to enforce ordinances and executive orders passed by Local Government Units.
“The PNP doesn’t decide on its own. We base our enforcement on approved orders,” said Carlos.
This developed after all 17 mayors of Metro Manila unanimously approved Resolution No. 22-01, urging the passage of local ordinances restricting the movement of unvaccinated individuals to only essential trips.
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