Only 115 checkpoints nationwide authorized to inspect cargo vehicles —Eleazar

Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday clarified that only 115 dedicated control points (DCP) nationwide were tasked to check cargo vehicles amid the Luzon enhanced community quarantine.

Eleazar, Philippine National Police deputy chief for operations and Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield commander, said these checkpoints, manned by the PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG), are authorized to flag down cargo vehicles.

“Itong pong DCP, manned by HPG, ang i-inspect nila mga cargo trucks,” he said in a televised briefing.

He added these were set up in strategic locations usually at the borders of provinces.

On the other hand, at least 3,593 quarantine control points (QCPs), manned by local police, were also set up nationwide. However, Eleazar said these checkpoints will inspect non-cargo vehicles.

“Ngayon naman po itong QCPs natin na mas marami, manned by local police, ang iche-check lang nila mga non-cargo trucks (vehicles). Gusto po kasi natin kasi alisin ‘yung paulit-ulit, unnecessary, redundant checking of cargo trucks to ensure that the movement of the cargos is unhampered and unimpeded,” he explained.

Eleazar said all chiefs of police and barangay officers have already been advised about the exemption.

Earlier, the Philippine Association of Meat Processors Inc. (PAMPI) warned of “severe shortage” of processed meat products following the logistical woes in checkpoints causing delay in the delivery of needed raw and packaging materials.

Later on, the Department of Trade and Industry released an order on March 21 allowing all types of cargoes even non-food products to pass through checkpoints.—AOL, GMA News