PNP mulls removal of checkpoints in Metro Manila

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering removing checkpoints in Metro Manila, and instead deploying the force in areas where they are needed more.

According to PNP Chief General Guillermo Eleazar, the checkpoints are causing chokepoints and heavy traffic conditions.

“Kasi ‘yung checkpoint natin, we have to accept talagang nagko-cause siya ng matinding trapiko, kaya nga nag-a-adjust tayo, ina-adapt natin itong mga random checking,” he said in a report on GMA’s “24 Oras Weekend” on Sunday.

[Our checkpoints, we have to accept that they are really causing heavy traffic conditions so we are adjusting. We instead adapted random checking.]

Instead, Eleazar said police units can instead be deployed to other areas such as vaccination sites, and the distribution of social assistance.

“Magbabantay ka sa quality control points, magbabantay ka pa rin sa vaccination, ngayon eto at magbibigay ng ayuda, andiyan pa rin ang police,” he added.

[We are guarding quality control points, vaccination sites, and even the release of financial assistance.]

Metro Manila has been under the strictest enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) since August 6 and until August 20, 2021, amid the surge in COVID-19 cases given the spread of the Delta variant.

Members of the PNP over the weekend started to implement health and safety protocols at border control points, ordering those who are not authorized persons outside residence (APOR) to turn back.

In the meantime, the PNP said it will be stricter in ensuring that individuals who do not fall under the APOR category are sent back home. — Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/BM, GMA News