Number of violators of ECQ now at 87,494 — PNP data

The number of violators in connection with the enhanced community quarantine has reached 87,494, Philippine National Police (PNP) deputy chief for operations Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said Monday.

Data from Eleazar indicated that of that number, a total of 48,635 were from Luzon; 16,612 were from Visayas; and 22,209 came from Mindanao.

The data were from March 17 to April 5, according to Eleazar.

Eleazar said a total of 21,996 were arrested (4,206 underwent inquest and 17,790 for regular filing); 4,184 were fined while 61,314 were only given warning by policemen.

On the other hand, a total of 647 individuals were arrested for alleged hoarding and profiteering activities, Eleazar said.

He added that a total of 7,719 public utility vehicles have been apprehended. All forms of mass transport vehicles have been prohibited to operate during this period in order to prevent people from going from one place to another.

The entire Luzon is under enhanced community quarantine due to the increasing number of cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao also implemented strict quarantine in their areas.

The government initially said this would last until April 14 but chief implementer Carlito Galvez said if it will be extended, it may possibly be for a maximum of 15 days only. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News