PNP deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. (File photo)
MANILA – The Joint Task Force Corona Virus Shield (JTF CV Shield) on Friday said it will remain vigilant after President Rodrigo Duterte has extended anew the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Metro Manila and other 'high risk' areas amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
Joint Task Force Covid Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said while the ECQ will still be in place in these areas until mid-May, the implementation of quarantine measures will be partly eased in most provinces and regions of the country which will be placed under a general community quarantine after April 30.
“Our troops in those areas are expected to remain vigilant and continue to implement the guideline of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) pertaining to this,” Eleazar said in a statement.
Currently, the PNP has around 64,000 personnel for the enforcement of the ECQ and a standby force of 43,000 personnel ready to be deployed.
Eleazar said that the JTF CV Shield is currently waiting for the guidelines of the IATF-EID on the implementation of quarantine measures beyond April 30.
“Will wait for the details of any changes or any additional guidelines from the IATF-MEID that will serve as the basis in the implementation of the ECQ and General Community Quarantine or GCQ,” he said.
Eleazar welcomed the development because as far as the JTF CV Shield is concerned, the recommendation of the IATF-EID which was approved by the President is a form of recognition of the hard work and sacrifices of uniformed personnel in preventing further spread of Covid-19.
“Through the dedication and determination of every member of the JTF Covid Shield to protect the Filipinos from COVID-19, we were able to do our part in the national government’s effort to save as many of our countrymen from being infected and prevent our territory from being overwhelmed by this unseen enemy,” he said.
He also lauded the sacrifices of uniformed personnel as the government’s main front-liners who continue to fulfill their mandate despite the intense social media bashing, name-calling and unfair allegations being hurled at them.
Meanwhile, PNP spokesman, Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the police are ready for the changes in the implementation of quarantine measures.
He said all arrested individuals would be brought to temporary holding facility or other holding areas in police stations.
He added that the PNP has enough equipment and medical support for the policemen. Regular rotation of duty of the police assigned in control points is also being observed.
“Rotation of duty for police officers deployed in ECQ duties remains regular to give them a chance to undergo quarantine and prepare for their next duty. With the help of the LGU and cooperation of the people, the implementation of the lockdown will be easier," he said in a statement.
On the other hand, more than 100,000 families have received assistance from the police from the "Kapwa Ko, Sagot Ko" program.
Under the said program, PNP personnel provide aid to families during the implementation of the ECQ. (PNA)
