FILE PHOTO: A traveler shows her vaccination card. Niño Jesus Orbeta/Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is requiring proof of vaccination from travelers going to Metro Manila and Bulacan as border controls intensify between the two areas amid rising new coronavirus infections.
PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos said the local government units of Metro Manila and Bulacan have instructed police personnel to demand the presentation of vaccination cards from inbound travelers.
“Those without vaccination cards will be barred from entering and will be asked to go back,” Carlos said in a statement.
The PNP chief admitted that the policy’s first day of implementation resulted in traffic congestion in Bulacan. However, Carlos explained that this was only because of their “strict inspection measures to curb the possible spread of the coronavirus.”
“The PNP is fully aware that movement must not be hampered, but non-essential travel can be controlled,” he said.
“Just stay at home at this time when you have nothing important to do outside,” he added.
The order on the vaccination card requirement came after Metro Manila and Bulacan were placed under Alert Level 3 amid the increasing new COVID-19 cases.
Metro Manila’s COVID-19 Alert Level 3 status also prompted the Metro Manila Council to pass a resolution restricting the movement of unvaccinated people within the nation’s capital region.
In addition to Metro Manila and Bulacan, the provinces of Cavite and Rizal were also placed under Alert Level 3 while Laguna will be on the same alert level starting January 7.
RELATED STORY
PH posts 17,220 new COVID-19 cases; positivity rate at 36.9%