Año sees criminals resuming activities in GCQ areas, urges cops to be on alert

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Wednesday reminded the public that issuance of quarantine passes would continue in areas under general community quarantine, and urged policemen in these areas to be vigilant against criminals that may take advantage of the easing up of restrictions.

In a press statement, Año said movement is still limited in areas under GCQ, and that quarantine control points will remain. He said only those working in permitted industries and those who will access essential services are allowed to leave their homes.

"Mas matindi ang inaasahang pagpapairal ng batas sa panahon ng GCQ dahil nariyan pa rin ang banta ng coronavirus at samahan pa ng mga masasamang-loob na wala rin namang pinipiling panahon at krisis. So, use of face masks and social distancing in public must be observed, ” he said.

Under the GCQ, quarantine measures will still be imposed for persons below 21 years old; persons 60 years old and above; persons who are immunocompromised; pregnant women; and people who reside with the aforementioned individuals.

However, seniors who are working or will go out to access essential services will be exempted from the home quarantine. 

Criminals

Año said the police should remain on alert even in areas which will be placed under general community quarantine after May 15. He said criminals could resume their illegal activities.

"Tiyak na babalik muli ang mga kriminal pag GCQ na dahil magpapanggap sila na papasok kuno sa trabaho kaya paalala ko sa ating kapulisan na maghigpit sa mga checkpoints at dalasan ang pagroronda para masawata ang mga kawatan,” Año said.

Earlier, the national government said the following regions would be under GCQ after May 15:

a. Region II
b. Region III
c. Region IV-A except Laguna
d. CAR
e. Region VII except Cebu City
f. Region IX
g. Region XI
h. Region XIII (CARAGA)

Crime rate

Earlier, the PNP bared that the crime rate in the country dropped by 61% since the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon in March.

Año called on cops not to relax despite the significant decrease in the crime rate, noting that they must continue their strict implementation of quarantine protocols.

“The 61% decrease in crime volume within March 17 – May 9, 2020 with a total of 3,166 must be maintained by the PNP even under GCQ,” he said.

The DILG said a total of 167,278 quarantine violators from March 17 to May 9 have been recorded. Majority of these cases are from Luzon with 106,926 violators, followed by Mindanao with 30,533 and Visayas with 29,819. --KBK, GMA News