PNP: Health protocols vs COVID-19 will still be strictly enforced during Alert Level 1

This file photo shows members of the Philippine National Police. Photo from PNP

MANILA, Philippines — Police officers will still strictly enforce health protocols like physical distancing and wearing of face masks in areas under COVID-19 Alert Level 1.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) issued this reminder on Monday, as the national government said that Metro Manila and 38 other areas across the country will be placed on Alert Level 1 starting March 1. COVID-19 Alert Level 1 imposes the most relaxed restrictions against the pandemic.

“Even in areas under Alert Level 1, the PNP will continue to ensure observance of Minimum Public Health Standards such physical distancing, use of personal protection and restrictions on crowding in public places,” PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Roderick Alba said in a statement.

Under COVID-19 Alert Level 1, PNP checkpoints for health protocol screening will now be deactivated, Alba said, but checkpoints set up with the Commission on Elections for the May 9 polls will remain operational.

“Quarantine Control Points are deactivated in areas under Alert Level 1 as a result of the lifting of restrictions on intra-zonal and inter-zonal travel,” he said.

“However, PNP checkpoints co-located with these Quarantine Control Points will remain operational for law enforcement and anti-criminality operations; and implementation of the election gun ban and employment of unauthorized security forces imposed by Comelec,” he explained.

Alba also said that PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos has also directed the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) and its chief, Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao, to coordinate with the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and other traffic management agencies like the Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) and local government units as they expect traffic volume to rise under Alert Level 1.

“In anticipation of the expected heavy volume of commuter and vehicular traffic in Metro Manila starting tomorrow (March 1), Chief PNP, Police General Dionardo B Carlos,  directed the Regional Director of NCRPO, PMGEN Vicente Danao Jr. to closely coordinate with MMDA and I-ACT to further streamline traffic law enforcement operations and ensure smooth implementation of passenger limit regulations in a public conveyance,” Alba said.

On Sunday, February 27, Malacañang said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) has approved proposals to place Metro Manila under Alert Level 1 from March 1-15.

This means that more establishments would be allowed to either open or accommodate more customers and guests while public transportation can operate at full capacity.

Aside from Metro Manila, here are the following areas that will be under COVID-19 Alert Level 1 starting March 1:

Luzon

Abra, Apayao, Baguio City, Kalinga, Dagupan City, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Batanes, Cagayan, City of Santiago, Isabela, Quirino, Angeles City, Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Olongapo City, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Laguna, Marinduque, Puerto Princesa City, Romblon, Naga City, and Catanduanes

Visayas

Aklan, Bacolod City, Capiz, Guimaras, Siquijor, and Biliran

Mindanao

Zamboanga City, Cagayan de Oro City, Camiguin, and Davao City

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