DOJ: Barangay checkpoints must be supervised by PNP

All barangay checkpoints must now be under the supervision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the uniform implementation of quarantine rules, the Department of Justice said Wednesday.

"From PNP, all barangay checkpoints must now be under its supervision. No PNP, no barangay checkpoints," Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said in a message to reporters.

"PNP shall likewise orient barangay officials/officers on IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) guidelines," he added.

According to a PNP memorandum shared by Perete, "all unit commanders/COPs (chiefs of police) shall ensure that all established QCPs (quarantine control point) at the Municipal and Barangay level are properly supervised."

President Rodrigo Duterte has imposed an enhanced community quarantine over Luzon in an effort to prevent the spread of the new coronavirus. He also signed Tuesday night a law allowing him to exercise additional powers to address the health emergency.

Asked what prompted the new PNP directive, Perete stressed the need for a uniform application of quarantine rules.

"We want people to strictly follow the quarantine rules to arrest the further transmission of the virus. We also need to ensure that those involved in food security and the continued provision of essential utilities will be allowed movement," he said.

"The issuance by different barangays/LGUs of different rules, especially those that impose undue restrictions not imposed by the IATF-MED makes difficult the attainment of these objectives. Hence, the DILG/PNP supervision of the checkpoints," he added.

Philippine health authorities have recorded 552 COVID-19 cases in the country as of Tuesday. Of this number, 35 patients have died and 20 have recovered.—AOL, GMA News