PNP eases restriction on movement of motorists amid MECQ in NCR Plus

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will ease the restriction on the movement of motorists as the NCR Plus was placed under the less strict modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

At a press conference on Monday, PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said there will be an ease in the flow of motorists, cargoes, and other vehicles.

“’Yung tinuturing nating pagluwag, maaaring hindi na po sila makakaramdam ng, well, katulad ng areas na nag-cause ng mahabang traffic,” he said.

(In easing the movement of motorists, they may no longer experience heavy traffic like in some areas.)

According to Usana, PNP chief Police General Debold Sinas urged police personnel to exercise “flexibility” in assessing the traffic situation at checkpoints.

Usana added the restriction in passing expressways is also eased now unlike before where every toll gate has a checkpoint.

On Sunday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque announced that NCR and the nearby provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal or “NCR Plus” will be placed under MECQ from April 12 until April 30.

Due to the rising COVID-19 cases, the government placed NCR Plus under the  stricter enhanced community quarantine classification with a new set of regulations such as restriction in mobility, business operations, and gatherings.

On the first day of implementation of ECQ in NCR Plus on March 29, motorists experienced heavy traffic and long lines.

They were required to present IDs, certificates of employment, business permits and other documentation to prove that they are authorized persons outside residents (APOR) and that their travel is essential.

Motorists who were not considered APOR and those who failed to present the necessary documents were prevented from passing the checkpoints established in boundaries. — RSJ, GMA News