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First night of unified curfew hours in Metro Manila nets more than 100 violators
At least 100 individuals were found to have violated the curfew and other protocols on Monday, the first night that unified curfew hours of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. were imposed in Metro Manila.
In Quezon City, around 60 individuals were caught for violations at 23 checkpoints put up by the Quezon City Police Department (QCPD), according to a report by James Agustin on GMA News' Unang Balita.
The individuals had different explanations as to why they were still on the road and outside their houses during curfew. One was a call center employee on the way to work, one motorcycle rider was going to buy food, and another man was just going to buy vinegar since he ran out of sauce for his food. There was also a young man who was surprised when he ran into police after he left his girlfriend's house to go home.
"Sana 'yung ating mga mamamayan ay iwasan na lumabas, 'yung wala naman talagang gagawin sa labas, 'yung mga istambay, 'yung mga walang rason," QCPD director Police Brigadier General Danilo Macerin said.
(We hope the public would refrain from going out, those who have no business staying out, those without reason to do so.)
At a checkpoint at the border of Quezon City and San Mateo, Rizal, vehicles had to slow down as authorities checked the driver and passengers if they are complying with health protocols and where they are going. This checkpoint will be operating for 24 hours.
The public is reminded that authorized checkpoints are in well-lit areas and have signages that these are operated by the Philippine National Police with the name of the officer in charge prominently displayed.
Manila
In Sta. Cruz, Manila, 45 minors were rounded up in Barangay 351 after they were caught still out on the streets past 8 p.m., according to a report by Mai Bermudez on Unang Balita.
Manila implements an earlier curfew for those 17 years old and below — 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. — aside from the one for 18 years old and up -- 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. like the rest of Metro Manila.
The minors were brought to Manila Police District (MPD) Station 3.
They had different reasons as to why they were not home at 8 p.m.: one said he had to do an errand, one was going to a birthday party, while still another said he did not know there was a curfew.
The minors were turned over to the Manila Social Welfare and Development for counseling and were later released after their parents fetched them and showed IDs.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development appealed to parents to keep their children at home for their safety amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
A total of 1,700 police officers were deployed by the MPD to man 30 checkpoints throughout Manila.
Camanava
In Caloocan, 83 were found to have violated the curfew, among them nine minors.
They were brought to the Caloocan Police Custodial Facility Extension, according to a report by Darlene Cay on Unang Balita.
One woman said she went out to buy food for her baby. Another man said he was unaware of the time.
The violators will have to attend a lecture on health and safety protocols.
They were also given tickets for fines they have to pay ranging from P1,000 to P5,000.
In Malabon, among those found violating the curfew was a man who was going to buy food.
However, there were still some children out on the streets in Malabon during curfew.
In Navotas meanwhile, those without face shields were told to get down from vehicles.
Those violating health protocols in Navotas are mandated to undergo RT-PCR testing within one week.
The Metro Manila Council agreed last week to implement uniform curfew hours in the National Capital Region starting Monday, March 15, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairman Benhur Abalos said.
The curfew hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m would last for two weeks. —KG, GMA News
