Non-APORs barred from fetching essential workers during NCR ECQ —Eleazar

Philippine National Police chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Wednesday said drivers who are not considered authorized persons outside of residence (APOR) are prohibited from fetching essential workers during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region.

In a video message, Eleazar said the police cannot verify if private vehicles being driven by non-APORs are really fetching essential workers to or from work.

“Hindi puwedeng maghatid ang non-APOR sa workforce APOR or even sa consumer APOR [Non-APORs are not allowed to fetch workforce APOR or even consumer APOR],” he said.

Eleazar pointed out that allowing non-APORs to fetch essential workers can be abused.

Interviewed on Dobol B TV, Eleazar advised essential workers to have other APORs take them to work or home. He also encouraged them to take public transportation.

The Commission on Human Rights, meanwhile, said such policy should be reviewed.

CHR urges policy review

"While the CHR fully understands the government’s move to manage the surge of infection brought about by the Covid Delta variant, APORs, including medical frontline workers and those working in essential establishments, such as restaurants, supermarkets, and banks among others, should not be deprived access to a safe way of commuting," it said in a statement.

It said the PNP's plan to ban the practice of fetching APORs to and from their workplaces "jeopardises [the APORs'] ability to carry out their crucial roles in combatting the pandemic" and "exposes them to higher risk of infection as there is no guarantee that there are enough public utility vehicles available during ECQ."

"We call on the PNP to review this measure and put into consideration the welfare of our APORs," the CHR said, adding documentary proof that both passenger and driver are APORs can address fears that such set-up can be abused.

From August 6 to 20, the NCR will be under ECQ where only APORs will be allowed to leave their homes amid the threat of the more transmissible Delta coronavirus variant.

Consumers buying essential goods will also be prohibited from crossing town or city borders during the ECQ, according to Eleazar. —KBK, GMA News