BORDER CONTROL. A member of the Philippine National Police mans a registration booth at the border checkpoint within the boundary of Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte in this undated photo. To help in the apprehension of quarantine protocol violators, the PNP is seeking help of netizens to report them by taking photos or videos. (PNA photo by Leilanie Adriano)
LAOAG CITY – Law enforcers in the province of Ilocos Norte have sought the help of netizens to report quarantine protocol violators if they happen to see one.
Through the localized program dubbed as “Kabsat, E-Pulongmo!”, netizens are asked to help monitor by taking and sending real-time photos or videos of violators to the official Facebook page of the municipal, city, or provincial police station or call local hotline number 09457187074.
When reporting, the format should indicate the name and address of the netizen, those who are involved in the photo or video and then send it to the Laoag City police station Facebook page which is open round the clock.
“But if such act needs an immediate police response, the public may feel free to call the police station near them,” said Laoag City police chief Rafael Lero on Wednesday.
Among the most common quarantine violations that even people themselves flaunt on social media are mass gathering and celebrations, drinking sessions, non-observance of physical distancing, and non-wearing of face masks.
As the entire province has been placed under localized modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) with heightened restrictions in areas with the highest number of infections from August 1 to 15, the Ilocos Norte police have intensified their monitoring of people who violate health and safety protocols.
Since March 15, the Ilocos Norte police has already arrested hundreds of individuals, mostly violating curfew and non-wearing of face mask. (PNA)
