220K motorists apprehended since community quarantine, 52% given warning

The Joint Task Force COVID Shield on Saturday reported that it apprehended around 222,000 motorists in various violations on roads during the community quarantine. Of this number, however, 115,000 were let go and only given a warning.

"Gusto kong iulat sa inyo na so far we have reached 220,000 na mga na-accost nating violators pero 52% diyan o 115,000 binigyan lang po natin ng warning at babala," JTF COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar said in a Dobol B sa News TV interview.

The violations of motorists include not wearing a face mask and not wearing a helmet.

Eleazar said they only filed charges against motorists who committed disobedience and resistance to authorities.

"Naiuulat po kasi na meron tayong 31% o wala pang one-third nitong violators na ito na na-accost natin na [sinampahan] natin ng kaso. Kina-categorize naming 'arrested' sila pero ito po arrested pero mas marami sa kanila pinauwi natin. Sinampahan natin ng kaso pero hindi naman sila nakakulong," he said.

The JTF Shield commander added that only around 8% or 17,000 out of the 220,000 violators have been detained.

Eleazar said they gave considerations to couples who had no barriers in motorcycles after the motorcycle back-riding was allowed by the government on Friday, July 10.

However, those back riding without a barrier and are not couples have been issued tickets.

"'Yung ibang lumabag, wala nang barrier, hindi pa sila couples o mag-asawa o hindi sila live-in partner. Talagang tiniketan natin 'yung mga 'yon," Eleazar said.

Section 9 of Republic Act No. 11332 or "Law on Reporting of Communicable Diseases" prohibited the "(d) Non-cooperation of persons and entities that should report and/or respond to notifiable diseases or health events of public concern."

Citing the law, Eleazar said violators could be penalized with a fine of P20,000 to P50,000. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News