PNP to prepare for implementation of granular lockdowns —Eleazar

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar on Saturday said he ordered police commanders to begin their preparation for a possible implementation of granular lockdowns in some areas as the government considers its adjustments amid surges in COVID-19 cases.

In a statement, Eleazar said he already directed police chiefs to coordinate with the local government units to establish the protocols needed for the granular lockdowns.

“I have tasked police commanders to start coordinating with local government officials and initiate discussions regarding the possible implementation of granular lockdown starting next month,” he said.

“This is just a proposal but it is better to make preparations in advance so as not to cause confusion that could lead to misunderstanding if this is approved,” Eleazar said in Filipino.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday said the government is considering adjustments in imposing lockdowns during surges in COVID-19 cases.

At the Laging Handa public briefing, Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III said that a sub-technical working group of the government recommended abandoning massive lockdowns and instead enforcing granular lockdowns where needed.

The DILG also recommended that authorized persons outside residence (APORs) should not be allowed to go out during granular lockdowns to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

The country's total number of COVID-19 cases climbed to 1,916,461 on Friday after 17,447 new infections were reported, the Department of Health said.

Active cases numbered 142,531.

Those who recovered totaled 1,741,089, while the number of fatalities reached 32,841. —Jamil Santos/KG, GMA News