NCR, Bulacan requiring vaccination cards for travelers entering borders — PNP

Travelers going to the National Capital Region (NCR) and Bulacan must present their COVID-19 vaccination cards at checkpoints before entering quarantine borders, the Philippine National Police (PNP)said Thursday.

In a statement, the PNP said the local government units of Bulacan and the cities of Metro Manila “have instructed police personnel to check for proof of vaccination of inbound travelers.”

“Those without vaccination cards will be barred from entering and will be asked to go back,” PNP chief General Dionardo Carlos said.

While acknowledging the traffic congestion in Bulacan during the first day of implementation, the PNP maintained that such a strict measure only aims to curb the spread of COVID-19.

“The PNP is fully aware that movement must not be hampered, but non-essential travel can be controlled. Just stay at home at this time when you have nothing important to do outside,” Carlos said.

According to the PNP, they will deploy more cops to checkpoints with heavy volume of vehicles if needed.

Earlier, the mayors of Metro Manila agreed that unvaccinated people should stay at home unless they are buying and accessing essential goods and services.

The government has placed Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 15;  Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal from January 5 to 15, 2022; and Laguna from January 7 to January 15, 2022 , amid the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Under Alert Level 3, several establishments will be allowed to operate at 30% indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50% outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

Face-to-face classes, contact sports, funfairs/perya, and casinos are among the activities and establishments that are prohibited under Alert Level 3. — RSJ, GMA News