More cops to be deployed as DILG eyes 'crackdown' on health protocol violators

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has ordered the police to deploy additional personnel in areas with rising COVID-19 cases, its spokesperson said Tuesday.

At the Laging Handa briefing, DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said DILG officer-in-charge Undersecretary Bernardo Florece Jr. gave the instruction after a meeting with Metro Manila mayors and the Department of Health.

“Ang instruction po ng ating OIC Florece sa ating kapulisan ay magdagdag ng pulis sa iba't ibang lugar sa Metro Manila for example,” he said.

According to Malaya, more police forces will be deployed in Pasay, Navotas, and Malabon cities, among others.

In a separate interview on Dobol B TV, Malaya said Florece also ordered local government units and law enforcers to conduct a “crackdown” for health protocol violators. 

“Kahapon po nagbigay ng direktiba si OIC Florece sa ating mga local government unit at lahat ng ating kapulisan na paigtingin muli 'yung enforcement ng mga minimum health standards,” he said.

“Ang sinabi nga po ni OIC Florece kahapon ay crackdown. Crackdown ang gagamitin natin. Ang gagawin natin, 'yung ating kapulisan will enforce 'yung iba't ibang ordinansa na ipinasa ng mga LGU,” he added.

Earlier, the DILG ordered local government units to enhance their ordinances so the public will still observe health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

According to Malaya, the public are becoming complacent about their safety due to “COVID-19 fatigue,” as the restrictions in light of the pandemic are in place for almost a year.

Local governments were advised to create or enhance ordinances with standardized penalties for violations.

OCTA Research group’s Dr. Guido David earlier said the daily new cases of COVID-19 in Metro Manila may reach 5,000 by March 31 based on projections. —KBK, GMA News