Eleazar to NCR cops: Strictly implement health protocols as alert level lowered

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar ordered all cops from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to remain alert and strictly implement the minimum public health protocols as the enforcement of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila started on Saturday.

Eleazar underscored that the threat of COVID-19 infection remains, which eventually may result in more infections if the public ignores health safety guidelines.

“Sa pag-uumpisa ng implementasyon ng Alert Level 3 sa Metro Manila, inatasan ko na ang ating mga unit commanders sa kalakhang Maynila na maging alerto at aktibo sa pagpapatupad ng minimum public health safety dahil baka maging kampante ang ating mga kababayan sa pagluwag ng patakaran na mauwi lamang sa muling pagtaas ng mga kaso ng COVID sa ating bansa,” the PNP chief said in a statement.

(With the commencement of the implementation of Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila, I have instructed our unit commanders in Metro Manila to be alert and active in the implementation of minimum public health safety because our countrymen may be complacent in following the protocols.)

Eleazar said more policemen will be deployed in public areas and establishments that were allowed to operate amid the easing of the alert level.

“Kasabay nito ang aking direktiba sa ating mga kapulisan sa Metro Manila na makipag-ugnayan hindi lamang sa mga LGUs kundi pati sa mga may-ari ng mga business establishments at iba pang mga lugar na maaring dagsain ng ating mga kababayan. Inaasahan ko rin ang karagdagang mga pulis na magpapatrolya sa mga lugar na ito,” he said.

(At the same time, I direct our police in Metro Manila to contact not only the LGUs but also the owners of business establishments and other places that our countrymen may flock to. I also expect more police to patrol these areas.)

Meanwhile, the PNP chief encouraged the public to remain cautious and continue observing health protocols to prevent spread of COVID-19.

“Muli ay nakikiusap tayo sa ating mga kababayan na huwag kalimutang isaisip at isapuso ang pag-iingat dahil hindi pa tuluyang naalis ang banta ng COVID-19 sa ating bansa,” he added.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments will be allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

This latest risk-level classification shall be in effect beginning October 16, 2021 until October 31. —Richa Noriega/KG, GMA News