Border control points to stay in NCR Plus despite GCQ, Eleazar says

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Friday said control points will remain in NCR Plus borders as non-essential travel in and out of the bubble is still prohibited.

This was after Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Laguna, Rizal and Cavite were placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions from May 15 to 31.

"Nandoon pa rin 'yun kasi meron tayong NCR Plus bubble. Ngayon malinaw sa sinabi ng IATF, ang movement of the non-APOR (authorized persons outside residence), hindi pa rin allowed mag-cross whether lalabas o papasok ka sa bubble area. APOR lang ang puwede if their travel is work related," Eleazar told reporters.

(Control points will stay because NCR Plus is still under a bubble. The IATF is clear that non-APORs are still not allowed to cross the borders.)

Eleazar said cargo trucks would remain unhampered, but police can still conduct random inspections to send a message to those planning to smuggle passengers that they can still be flagged anytime.

Eleazar added that the Joint Task Force COVID Shield would also ensure that guidelines in establishments allowed to operate are being enforced.

Under the GCQ with heightened restrictions, indoor dine-in services in the bubble will be at 20% venue or seating capacity, while outdoor or al fresco dining will be at 50% capacity.

Outdoor tourist attractions in the bubble can also open at 30% capacity with strict adherence to minimum health standards.

Personal care services that allow for services not requiring mask removal, such as salons, parlors, and beauty clinics among others are allowed at 30% capacity.

Public transportation will also remain operational in accordance with the guidance of the Department of Transportation. --KBK, GMA News