Sinas: NCRPO to deploy more cops for extended ECQ in Metro Manila

The National Capital Region Police Office will add more security forces in Metro Manila following the government's decision to extend the enhanced community quarantine in the metropolis and other high-risk areas until May 15.

At a virtual press briefing, NCRPO chief Police Major General Debold Sinas said he would talk to the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police's Special Action Force (SAF) to ask for assistance in the additional deployment of security forces.

"Sa ngayon, wala po kaming pagbabago kung hindi dadagdagan namin ng tao. Mag-uusap ulit kami ng SAF at ng Army na hingi kami ng tulong sa kanila kung mayroon pa silang madagdag na tao para po madagdagan at mareplenish po 'yung mga tao namin sa QCPs dahil nakaisang buwan at kalahati na po sila," Sinas said.

Sinas said he would also coordinate with PNP chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa as the top cop had promised to provide 20,000 more personnel if needed.

"Magko-coordinate po ako kay chief PNP kasi noong una pa nag-promise siya na magbibigay siya ng additional 20,000 people siguro hingin ko na maski 5,000 o kalahati doon para naman mareplenish na 'yung mga pulis namin na nandiyan sa QCP," Sinas said.

In a separate press statement, PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac assured that public there would be a regular rotation of duty among cops manning quarantine control points.

"Nagsasagawa din tayo ng regular rotation of duty ng mga pulis na nakatalaga sa mga ECQ upang mabigyan sila ng pagkakataon na mag-quarantine at muling maghanda sa sasusunod na duty," Banac said.

"Mayroong sapat na kagamitan, rasyon, at suportang medikal ang ating mga pulis na nakatalaga sa ECQ [areas]," he added.

Duterte's decision to extend the mandatory quarantine in various areas came after he consulted with government officials, medical experts, and former Health secretaries this week regarding possible measures to be implemented after April 30.

Aside from Metro Manila, the enhanced community quarantine has been also extended in Central Luzon, CALABARZON, Pangasinan, Benguet, Mindoro island, Albay, and Catanduanes.

The ECQ will also be imposed until May 15 in Antique, Iloilo, Cebu and Cebu City, Aklan, and Capiz in the Visayas; and Davao del Norte, Davao City, and Davao de Oro in Mindanao. —Anna Felicia Bajo/LBG, GMA News