PNP cracks down on drinking, singing in public spaces

MANILA, Philippines — As classes in public schools resume today, police commanders nationwide have been ordered to launch a crackdown against persons drinking and singing karaoke-style in public spaces.

The crackdown would be strictly enforced in communities and villages, with local law enforcers guided by ordinances against public drinking and karaoke, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the police would ensure that all homes were conducive for learning by paring down unnecessary noise coming from neighbors and quarantine violators.

“Our local police personnel and barangay officials should work together to extend all the necessary assistance to make sure that our online learners would be able to concentrate on their study,” Eleazar, also PNP deputy chief for administration, said yesterday.

Citing viral videos police have received showing bystanders and other quarantine violators scampering away as patrol vehicles pass by, Eleazar said increased personnel visibility in communities is a must, especially in neighborhood hangouts.

“Police presence on the streets and in the community is also in time for the start of the classes for public schools nationwide. Through the police presence, online learners would not be disturbed and distracted by noises from the people who hang out on the streets,” Eleazar said.

Millions of students in public elementary and high schools across the country have started distance learning at home today.

Private schools, however, were earlier allowed by the Department of Education to start classes.

Classes were supposed to begin on Aug. 24, but several lawmakers and groups urged the DepEd to defer this to October to better prepare for the transition from traditional old school to blended learning.