PNP to send more cops to areas of destination

MANILA, Philippines — As more people in the National Capital Region (NCR) are allowed outdoors under the less stringent Alert Level 3, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said yesterday he has ordered police commanders to increase police visibility in areas of destination.

Eleazar issued the directive after the Department of Health appealed to authorities to continue strictly implementing COVID-19 protocols. This was after the DOH observed that people flocked to churches, malls, parks and other areas over the weekend after the alert status was downgraded.

“I have already directed our unit commanders in the National Capital Region to increase police presence in all possible areas of destination of our kababayan following the downgrading of the alert level in Metro Manila,” Eleazar said in a statement.

He also instructed police officers to coordinate with their respective local government units to properly implement minimum public health protocols and other restrictions.

Eleazar appealed to the public to continue observing COVID-19 protocols to prevent another surge in infections, which could lead to another lockdown.

Since the NCR was eased to Alert Level 3 on Oct. 16, 27,940 people have been accosted for violating protocols: 20,434 for disregarding minimum public health standards, 7,337 for violating the curfew, and 169 for going outdoors despite belonging to the non-authorized persons outside of residence category.