Gov’t has no policy on window hours amid enhanced quarantine, DILG spox says

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday clarified that there is no such policy stating specific hours in which citizens can go out of their residences amid the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

"That's fake news. There's no such policy from the DILG or IATF (Inter-agency task force)," DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said in a text message.

This came after a post circulated on social media stating specified time in which residents can go out of their homes and buy their necessities. The post included some logos of government agencies including the Philippine National Police and the Department of Health.

Asked if those who will follow what was stated in the post will be arrested, Malaya said the DILG only advised the police to urge people to stay at home.

"It's when they resist that's when they could be arrested for disobedience to a person of authority," Malaya said.

The PNP - Directorate for Police Community Relations said the post was unauthorized.

According to PNP - DPCR chief Police Major General Benigno Durana, concerned local government units were already advised to not "overstep" or "misinterpret" the issued guidelines of the IATF.

"We were told that they already took down that post after Joint Task Force COVID Shield advised them," Durana said, noting that the post was used in Cavite City.

Meanwhile, PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said some local government units have implemented their own local policies such as what was stated in the post.

According to Malaya, LGUs should be circumspect and reasonable in issuing their own guidelines.

Banac echoed Malaya's remark that no arrest would be made against these individuals, saying the PNP wants to focus more on encouraging citizens to stay indoors.

"No arrest for as long as they belong to the list of exempted to be out and the person is running only for errands to buy family necessities," Banac said. — RSJ, GMA News