Mayors told to deploy PUV marshals to keep passengers from chatting

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed mayors to deploy marshals to enforce health protocols inside public transport including the ban on conversations.

At the Laging Handa briefing on Thursday, DILG  Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said the National Capital Region and four nearby provinces or NCR Plus were covered by the order.

“Pinakiusapan po natin sila ng mga tanod o marshalls sa mga sakayan ng jeep at public transport ho. Hikayatin po ang mga tao na pagpasok nila sundin yung health protocols kapag nasa public transport,” Densing said.

[We requested them to have marshalls in transport terminals of jeep and public transport. Encourage the public to observe protocols inside public transport.]

“Siguraduhin na may plastic barrier, naka-face mask, naka-face shield, na hindi mag-uusap-usap sa loob ng public transport hanggang makarating sa paroroonan,” he added.

[Ensure that plastic barriers are installed, that passengers are  using face mask and face shield, that passengers are not talking until they they arrive to their destination.]

Earlier, DILG also directed the Philippine National Police (PNP), local government units, and barangays to strictly enforce the ban against mass gatherings in areas included in the general community quarantine bubble.

DILG officer-in-charge Undersecretary Bernardo C. Florece Jr. also ordered PNP to set up border checkpoints to prevent the travel of non-essential workers.

He also urged LGUs to deploy their marshalls, Barangay Disiplina Brigades, barangay tanods and others to ensure that residents will observe the restriction. -NB, GMA News