Over 4,500 violations recorded in Metro Manila on first day of NCR Plus ECQ —PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said more than 4,500 violations of health protocols were recorded on the first day of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in the National Capital Region and four adjacent provinces.

PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana said among the violations committed were failure to wear face mask and face shield, and to observe physical distancing.

“Ang total na nakuha namin sa datos ng NCR police, lumalabas na meron tayong more than 4,500 na mga violations,” he said in an interview on Unang Balita,

(Based on the data of NCR police, we recorded 4,500 violations.)

Violators were only warned and fined, Usana added.

Around 200 people were barred at checkpoints and were asked to return to their home because they were not considered authorized persons outside residence (APOR) and their travel could not be considered as essential.

According to Usana, the first day of the reimposition of ECQ in the NCR, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna,and Rizal -- or NCR Plus -- was generally peaceful.

He added that the public was substantially compliant to the protocols set by the government in connection with the ECQ implementation.

However, the PNP said among the "challenges" encountered by enforcers  were the disregard to the limited capacity allowed in public transport especially in jeepneys.

Aside from this, the PNP also said some motorcycles have no barriers or separators as required by the government.

The PNP added that people who failed to present IDs to prove that they are essential workers or APOR delayed the traffic flow at checkpoints.

Motorists experienced heavy traffic and long lines in checkpoints on the first day of ECQ, reports said.

Due to the surge in COVID-19 cases in the past weeks, the national government placed the NCR Plus under ECQ from March 29 to April 4 with a new set of regulations.

Under ECQ, only authorized persons outside residence (APOR) including essential workers are allowed to go outside their homes. —KBK, GMA News