PNP deploys more cops in public areas

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will deploy additional PNP officers in public areas to prevent crowding and mass gatherings that may become superspreader events amid the threat of the Delta variant of COVID-19.

PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said police have been ordered to help barangay officials in monitoring superspreader events.

“Based on the directive of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, I have ordered police commanders nationwide to assist barangay personnel patrol the communities to avoid superspreader events,” Eleazar told reporters yesterday.

The Delta variant, which was first detected in India, is said to be more infectious and can evade antibodies that target parts of the virus.

The Department of Health has recorded 35 cases of Delta variant. Of the number, two have died of the disease and the rest have recovered.

Eleazar warned organizers of big events that the PNP would not be considerate once they are caught violating COVID-19 protocols.

“We will make sure that you face charges,” Eleazar said. “I’d rather that you hate me because of our policies against superspreader events than have us gather and burn corpses like what happened in India because you are stubborn and careless.”

Año had warned mayors that they would be held accountable for violations of health protocols in their jurisdiction, adding that quarantine rules should be strictly followed as the country has recorded local transmissions of the Delta COVID variant.

Body cameras

Meanwhile, the PNP has started using body-worn cameras in monitoring the handling of COVID-19 vaccines pending approval of the guidelines for use of these equipment in law enforcement operations.

“We are already using the body cameras in escorting the vaccines, in monitoring the arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport until the doses are transferred to warehouses,” PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Olay said in an interview on dzBB yesterday.

Olay made the statement when asked about the 2,600 body cameras the PNP has distributed to different police offices across the country.

The PNP has formed a technical working group to study the guidelines issued by the Supreme Court on the use of body cameras in serving arrest and search warrants.