Checkpoints within Metro Manila borders will stay —police official

A police official said Friday checkpoints situated at the borders of the National Capital Region would not be removed despite the expected easing by next week of quarantine measures.

At a virtual press briefing, PNP Directorate for Operations director Police Major General Emmanuel Luis Licup said law enforcers must still check whether those going outside their residences are still practicing social distancing, including the mass transport vehicles that are allowed to operate.

"Ang checkpoints nasa borders ng Metro Manila ay hindi po natin tatanggalin. Yung mga fixed checkpoints na nandoon sa mga hindi borders ay maaaring tanggalin natin depende sa assessment ng commanders on the ground," Licup said.

"Kasi po tayo ay nagpapatupad pa rin ng GCQ at lahat ng ito ay dapat natin makita at ma-inspect ang mga sasakyan na kung sila ay nagko-comply doon sa social distancing na patakaran," he added.

"Ang PNP po doon sa mga QCP (quarantine checkpoint) natin, sa control points, siya ang mag-i-inspect ng compliance ng ating mga public transport."

Earlier, Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said more mobile checkpoints, manned by personnel from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG), will be added in Metro Manila.

Licup further emphasized that through dthe conduct of checkpoints, the crime rate in the country has significantly decreased.

On Thursday, the PNP released data indicating a 59% decrease in focus crimes during the quarantine period, which is from March 17 to May 27.

President Rodrigo Duterte has approved the recommendation to ease quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila, placing it under GCQ beginning June 1.

Under GCQ, 10 to 50% of mass transport are allowed as well as 75% of the workforce per company to physically report back to work.

Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque defended Duterte's decision to place Metro Manila under GCQ despite warning from some experts that it was still premature to ease quarantine measures in the metropolis.

Roque emphasized that the government could not let its citizens stay out of work for too long as it adversely affects the Philippine economy.  —LBG, GMA News