NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas. (File photo)
MANILA – The Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB) of the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) will man all checkpoints in entry and exit points of Metro Manila during the implementation of a community quarantine beginning Sunday.
NCRPO chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, said a total of 26,000 police officers will be tapped in implementing the measure but declined to reveal how many cops would be assigned to man the checkpoints.
Sinas assured that all policemen to be deployed would have protective gear and their police cars would be sanitized and disinfected.
"Local police will concentrate sa munisipyo [So local police will concentrate in their areas]," Sinas told reporters in a press briefing held at Quezon City Police District (QCPD) Headquarters Camp Karingal, Quezon City.
He added that roads to be closed were already identified and would be recommended to Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa, for approval.
“We have already identified these roads. Recommending it to Camp Crame. If they will approve, then we will implement this. Those roads going to Region 3 or Region 4, all of them were identified,” he stressed.
Based on the proposal of the NCRPO, Sinas said those who have high body temperature would not be allowed to enter the region.
He also said motorists should expect traffic congestions during checkpoints.
"There would be (heavy) traffic). It really happens. That's how it is. We limit the entry and exit of people. The purpose of this quarantine for us to stay at home so that Covid-19 will not spread," Sinas said.
Police will follow exemptions from the quarantine such as the workers living outside Metro Manila, Sinas said.
Sinas said the Metro Manila police would follow the directive of the higher authority once the full guidelines of the community quarantine are approved.
Violators of the community quarantine in Metro Manila will be arrested.
"Arestuhin ang di sumunod sa guidelines [We will arrest those who will not follow the guidelines]," Sinas said.
If somebody violates the quarantine and enter the region, he said he/she would be charged with violation of quarantine law and the Revised Penal Code (RPC).
"Para alam nila 'pag nag-violate ka, huli ka [So that they know that if you violate it, you will be apprehended] Ano ang gagawin naming dialogue? [What dialogue?] Those who will violate will be arrested. We will file charges once they violate."
He said arrested violators would be brought to and detained by local police covering the area where they defied the guidelines. (PNA)
