Checkpoints added in Cebu City amid lockdown, police official says

More checkpoints were added in Cebu City following the enforcement of a lockdown due to the spike of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases in the area, according to the Cebu City Police on Wednesday.

"Nagdagdag po tayo ng checkpoints kasi nga with the observation sa amin na maraming sasakyan so ano checkpoint and additional (cops) coming from other unit. 'Yung (Region) VI at Region VIII ay nagpadala para to cover the whole area of Cebu," Cebu City Police officer-in-charge Police Colonel Cydric Tamayo told Dobol B sa News TV. 

Tamayo said at least 100 police officers from Police Regional Offices VI and VIII are still not enough as strict monitoring of the movement of individuals within the city must be ensured. 

Only authorized persons outside residence (APOR) and essential workers are allowed to go out following the lockdown. 

"Kulang pa ng kaunti kasi kung puwede lang lahat ng kanto ay may pulis, 24 hours dapat 'yan," Tamayo said. 

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said more policemen and soldiers will be deployed to Cebu City to help enforce the lockdown.

Cebu City was again placed under enhanced community quarantine on June 16 due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases and widespread community transmission.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday told Cebuanos they were too slow in complying with the national government's measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KG, GMA News