Social distancing patrols to keep eye on traditional jeeps -NCRPO

Social distancing patrols will make sure health and safety protocols are observed when traditional jeepneys resume their operations, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Police Major General Debold Sinas on Friday.

Sinas said cops had also been deployed at train stations as well as in bus stations.

"Isa kami sa mga ni-request ng LTO and DOTr to assist them. That's why we have to establish our social distancing patrol. Kung napansin niyo 'yung lahat ng stations ng LRT, MRT, PNR at saka sa bus ay may mga pulis po tayo doon," Sinas said.

"Ang mga pulis po natin doon ay hindi nga namin pinadalhan ng armas, ang dala lang po 'yung stick para kapag mag-distancing hindi nila hawakan kasi  a alam niyo naman both siya at 'yung tao ay magkuwan," he added.

Engineer Alberto Suansing, senior consultant to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), said that only jeeps deemed "roadworthy" by the government would be allowed to resume operations. He said jeep inspections were ongoing.

The LTFRB, through Memorandum Circular 2020-026, has released guidelines allowing thousands of roadworthy traditional jeepneys to resume operations under GCQ in Metro Manila.

It also released an initial list of routes which PUJs can ply with no special permir starting today, July 3.

Meanwhile, Sinas said police can also be seen in public areas such as wet markets. Aside from social distancing and mobile patrols, the NCRPO has also intensified its random checkpoints.

"Nagsisita once in a while noong mga cargoes at 'yung marami kaming so-called na rescue ng mga bata kasi supposed to be bawal mga bata so nagpipilit lumabas so kapag nahanap ng pulis ay dinadala sa DSWD or sa bahay nila para mapauwi sila," Sinas said. -NB, GMA News