MANILA, Philippines — At least 39,392 persons were accosted in Metro Manila for violating COVID-19 protocols since the region shifted to the less stringent modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that an average of 13,131 individuals were apprehended per day in Metro Manila from Aug. 21 to 23.
The PNP said 25,846 or 65.61 percent of the violators disregarded minimum public health standards while 11,070 or 28.10 percent violated the curfew.
The remaining 2,476 were caught on the streets despite not being authorized persons outside of residence (APORs).
The violators were warned, fined or made to render community service.
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar yesterday instructed police officers to intensify operations against quarantine violators.
He said police officers manning quarantine control points should issue citation tickets to motorists who violate guidelines set by the government.
“Kagaya nitong mga drivers na nagsasakay ng non-APOR ay puwede isyuhan ng temporary operator’s permit (Drivers who take on non-APOR may be issued a temporary operator’s permit),” he said in a Laging Handa briefing.