PNP chief Gamboa orders deployment of SAF commandos in NCR to help enforce 'intensified' ECQ

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Archie Francisco Gamboa on Tuesday ordered the deployment of members of the elite Special Action Force in the National Capital Region to assist in the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

"I have also authorized the deployment of 12 teams of Special Action Force, totaling 116 personnel to strategic locations, initially within Metro Manila to augment local PNP Units in the intensified enforcement of ECQ starting today," Gamboa said in a virtual press briefing. 

Gamboa mentioned that the deployment was also based on the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte as a lot of Filipinos still violate the ECQ guidelines. 

Members of the Philippine National Police's elite Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) ride an armored multi-purpose vehicle (AMPV) on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, to patrol the areas around Blumentritt Market in Manila. The PNP-SAF was deployed to help maintain social distancing among marketgoers amid the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.  Danny Pata

He, however, said the National Capital Region Police Office, being led by Police Major General Debold Sinas, would still manage the enforcement of rules and regulations in Metro Manila. 

"Lahat ng additional troops ay naka-attach sa NCR para meron tayong isang unity of command at siya ang magkokontrol [sa] lahat ng puwersa na binibigay sa NCRPO," Gamboa said. 

Gamboa also said he had ordered Sinas to establish per district a holding area for individuals who will be arrested for disobeying ECQ guidelines. 

"I tasked the RD of NCRPO to establish per district kung saan itong holding area ng mahuhuli but rest assured na we will charge all of you and not until you can avail of a bail," Gamboa said. 

"If all are still in process, then we can always legally detain you," he added. 

So far, the PNP has recorded a total of 136,517 ECQ violators. 

The Luzon-wide ECQ imposed to prevent the further spread of COVID-19 is in effect until April 30. —KG, GMA News