PNP deputy chief for operations, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar. (File photo)
MANILA – Police officers will be deployed to ensure social distancing in malls that will re-open in areas under modified enhanced community quarantine and general community quarantine beginning Saturday.
In a statement Friday, Joint Task Force Coronavirus Shield (JTF CV Shield) commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, said these police officers would assist the security personnel of malls in implementing basic protocols against the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19), such as physical distancing and the wearing of face masks.
“With some of the shops inside the malls now allowed to open, we expect an influx of people in these areas so we want to make the police presence felt there in order to ensure that they will strictly follow the rules for their safety from the coronavirus,” Eleazar said.
He explained that the deployment of policemen, especially near the mall entrances, is part of the shift to intensified police visibility following the easing of quarantine restrictions.
This means that more people would be allowed to travel to report to their offices and other places of work.
Eleazar, however, said mall security managers have already been made aware of what should be observed based on past dialogues.
“The threat of coronavirus is still there so this is really a challenge. On our part, based on the guidance of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, we will make sure that necessary measures will be implemented to protect those who would be allowed to go out," he said. (PNA)
