To ensure that health protocols are enforced, police station commanders will now be appointing police supervisors who will monitor the implementation of quarantine protocols in every barangay. This directive was made earlier today by the Joint Task Force (JTF) COVID Shield, who is in charge of enforcing the government’s quarantine policies.
According to JTF COVID Shield chief Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, the police supervisors will be leading barangay security officers in enforcing protocols such as the mandatory wearing of face masks and social distancing measures.
Eleazar added that this directive is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s order to intensify ordinances related to COVID-19, and has been approved by Philippine National Police chief Gen. Archie Gamboa.
“The presence of policemen is not only a proven crime deterrent but also compels civilians to behave. In this time of pandemic when compliance to the minimum health safety protocols is a must to prevent the spread of the coronavirus, we need to make the presence of the police in the barangay to ensure that the order of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is enforced properly and strictly,” Eleazar said in a press statement.
Since the enhanced community quarantine was imposed last March, the JTF COVID Shield has recorded 237,412 lockdown violators nationwide. Out of this number, 3,090 were detained, 43,776 were fined and 119,553 received warnings.
Header photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta of Philippine Daily Inquirer
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Writer: ANGELA PATRICIA SUACILLO
