MPD deploys more cops to Divisoria, malls; QC to assign more enforcers

The Manila Police District has deployed more cops in areas where crowds are expected to converge this Christmas season, such as Divisoria, shopping malls and churches which will hold Simbang Gabi. The Quezon City government meanwhile said it will assign more enforcers to monitor public places.

MPD director Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco said police visibility has been increased in such areas, according to a report by Carlo Mateo on Dobol B sa News TV on Saturday.

Police put up a checkpoint for motorcycles at the corner of C.M. Recto Avenue and Ylaya Street in Divisoria.

More cops were also sent to Divisoria on Saturday to remind shoppers to observe physical distancing and wear face masks and face shields.

Shoppers have been swarming to Divisoria to buy goods at bargains this Christmas season, not minding health protocols.

Manila Mayor Isko Moreno has earlier reminded shoppers in Divisoria to strictly observe minimum health standards to prevent the spread of COVID-19, after it was reported that many of them were ignoring physical distancing.

QC

Meanwhile, in Quezon City,  the local government unit said it has trained 134 more enforcers who will be deployed to markets and other public areas.

This is to ensure minimum health protocols would be strictly enforced, the LGU said in a press release on Friday.

“The additional personnel underwent training on the proper issuance of Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVR) to quarantine protocol violators,” retired General Elmo San Diego, head of the Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS), said.

“Violators need to pay the fine within five days. If not, a case shall be filed with the prosecutor’s office and will be reflected on their record when they apply for police clearance,” San Diego said.

“Inaasahan natin ang paglabas ng maraming tao ngayong kapaskuhan kaya dinadagdagan din natin ang mga magbabantay at magpapatupad ng health protocols,” QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“Kung hindi natin ito gagawin, malaki ang posibilidad na tataas ang bilang ng kaso ng COVID-19, sa ating lungsod. Given the holidays, experts are predicting a surge. While we are ready for any eventuality, we would like to reinforce our efforts to campaign for a safer Christmas. That is why we would like to remind our citizens and those visiting our city to please follow all health protocols because this will be strictly enforced,” Belmonte added. —KG, GMA News