DILG: Limit entry, exit points in public markets

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered that entry and exit points at public markets be limited to ensure that shoppers observe physical distancing to curb the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

The DILG also directed the police and military to guard public markets following the reported surge of shoppers over the weekend.

DILG spokesman and Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said there is a need to control the crowds at public markets during the enhanced community quarantine.

“Interior Secretary Eduardo Año ordered local government units at ang ating kapulisan na maglagay na lamang ng limitadong entry and exit points sa palengke,” Malaya told reporters.

He said they would ask Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to deploy soldiers to secure public markets. 

BJMP joins COVID battle

Personnel of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) will donate a portion of their salaries as part of the government’s efforts to fight COVID-19.

BJMP Director Allan Iral said jail employees would give 1.5 percent of their basic pay for the cause.

There are 14,875 BJMP personnel across the country.

Iral said the contribution is expected to generate an estimated P7.23 million. 

He said the amount would be deducted from the salaries of BJMP personnel next month.

The inmates are also helping by making face shields that are being distributed to health workers and other frontliners, Iral said.

Overpriced supplies

Thirty people have been arrested for allegedly hoarding and selling overpriced medical supplies, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported yesterday.

PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the suspects were apprehended from April 7 to 12.

A total of 680 people have been accosted by police for allegedly taking advantage of the COVID-19 pandemic since March 17.

Of the number, 477 violators of Republic Act 10623 or the Price Act were from Luzon.