PNP to set up 24-hour checkpoints in Metro Manila

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will set up 24-hour mobile checkpoints in Metro Manila to prevent non-essential travel with over a week remaining in the enhanced community quarantine.

The PNP has also deployed at least 116 elite Special Action Force (SAF) commandos at public markets in Metro Manila to beef up the government’s implementation of quarantine guidelines.

Brig. Gen. Eliseo Cruz, director of the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG), said in a dzMM interview the checkpoints will be established in areas where there are large numbers of motorists.

Aside from EDSA, the HPG also beefed up its presence along Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Taft Avenue, Roxas Boulevard, Macapagal Boulevard and C-5 Road.

The HPG is still consolidating reports on the number of private motorists who were accosted since the crackdown started last April 15. Cruz said two of every 100 motorists receive traffic tickets per day.

Police will also strictly inspect cargo vehicles transporting basic goods following reports that some truck drivers in Cordillera, Quezon and Bicol hid passengers at the back of their vehicles, Cruz said.

Market forces

Fully armed SAF commandos were deployed at the public markets of  Blumentritt in Manila, Libertad in Pasay, Barangays Lower Bicutan and Napindan in Taguig, Barangay Alabang in Muntinlupa, North Caloocan, Pasig, Parañaque, Las Piñas and Marikina.

PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, who personally supervised the deployment, said the SAF troopers will assist the local police to prevent overcrowding and ensure quarantine guidelines such as social distancing are strictly observed.

Eleazar warned the public to strictly follow quarantine protocols as the SAF commandos are authorized to arrest violators.

Aside from public markets, SAF personnel can be mobilized to other areas where home quarantine and social distancing are being violated, he said.