Cops bar unvaxxed people from entering NCR-Bulacan boundary

People who were not able to present COVID-19 vaccination cards were barred from entering the borders in the National Capital Region (NCR) and Bulacan on Friday, reports on GMA News’ Unang Balita said.

On the first day of implementation of restrictions on unvaccinated people, vehicles started to build up at the border of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan and Quezon City as cops checked for vaccination cards as early as 6 a.m.

According to a report of Corinne Catibayan, police checked the vaccination cards of drivers and passengers on motorbikes, buses, jeepneys, and other vehicles.

Police asked those who failed to present vaccination cards to get out of their vehicles and took pictures of them for registration before turning them away.

According to the report, the police did not give any considerations to unvaccinated people who were appealing to let them enter the border.

Meanwhile, at the border of Quezon City and San Mateo, Rizal along Batasan-San Mateo Road, some motorists left their homes earlier than usual for the anticipated lines of vehicles at the checkpoint, according to a report of James Agustin.

Police asked for IDs and vaccination cards from the people entering the border.

As of 7 a.m., there was only a small buildup of vehicles in the line as most of the motorists already prepared their vaccination cards ahead of the inspection.

Police said the inspection for vaccination cards would be implemented all day. However, once long lines build up, the police said they would conduct random inspections.

Aside from vaccination cards, the police also inspected the compliance of public utility vehicles to the 70% capacity allowed for them.

On Thursday, the Philippine National Police said the travelers going to the NCR and Bulacan must present their COVID-19 vaccination cards at checkpoints before entering quarantine borders.

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.

President Rodrigo Duterte also ordered barangay officials to direct persons yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to stay at home amid the increase in COVID-19 cases.

"If he refuses, if he goes out of the house and goes around  the community or wherever magpunta, he can be restrained. If he refuses, the barangay captain being a person of authority have the power to arrest," Duterte said. —LBG, GMA News