PNP records 108,088 ECQ violators for a period of 27 days

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recorded a total of 108,088 violators of the guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine being implemented by the national government.

Latest data from PNP deputy chief for operations and Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shied Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday indicated that the highest number of violators were in Luzon with 64,946.

A total of 19,279 were from the Visayas while 23,863 came from Mindanao, the data, which was from March 17 to April 12, showed.

Eleazar said of the total number, 26,130 were nabbed (5,539 underwent inquest and 20,591 for regular filing), 76,989 were given warnings by authorities and 4,969 have been fined.

In a separate interview on Dobol B sa News TV, Eleazar said most violators were just accosted while other violators have been detained in detention facilities.

"Pag paulit-ulit na pasaway, talagang kulungan na 'yan..." Eleazar said.

Eleazar added that a total of 680 people have been arrested for alleged hoarding and profiteering activities during the period of strict quarantine.

The PNP official also bared that a total of 8,068 public utility vehicles have been apprehended as they continue to operate despite the temporary ban on mass transportation.

Eleazar vowed that the PNP Highway Patrol Group would continue to look for public utility vehicles which will continue to operate despite the prohibition of the government.

The national government has implemented the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Some provinces in Visayas and Mindanao also placed their areas in strict quarantine.

So far, the Philippines has 4,648 COVID-19 cases, with 297 deaths and 197 recoveries. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA News