Cops prepare for enforcement of granular lockdown
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar on Saturday ordered all his field commanders to start preparing for the enforcement of granular lockdown in some areas under their jurisdiction amid the government’s effort to control the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.
The top cop likewise instructed all 17 police regional office directors to coordinate with local government units to determine the measures that will be imposed for the granular lockdown.
In Metro Manila, National Capital Region Police Office director Major Gen. Vicente D. Danao Jr. said they remain on top of the situation and will strictly enforce whatever decision will be made by the government thru the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to help arrest the further outbreak of the deadly virus.
“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,” Eleazar said.
“Ito ay isang proposal pa lamang subalit mas maigi nang paghandaan ito ng maaga upang hindi na magdulot ng kalituhan na maaring mauwi sa hindi pagkakaunawaan kung sakaling ma-aprubahan ito,” he added.
The PNP chief said police and barangay officials should work hand in hand to achieve an orderly enforcement of granular lockdown.
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) had said that the national government is considering making adjustments in implementing lockdowns when there is an increase in the number of infections.
The government is considering doing away with massive lockdowns and instead implement granular lockdowns wherein even authorized persons outside residence would be prohibited to leave their homes.
Following the DILG pronouncements, Eleazar ordered police offices to prepare the deployment of personnel once granular lockdown will already be implemented in certain areas.
“Sa panig ng PNP, patuloy kaming magiging kaagapay ng national at local governments upang maabot ang ating adhikain na maibaba ang infection rate at eventually ay mailigtas ang mas maraming bilang ng mga Pilipino na mahawaan ng nakakamatay na virus na ito,” he said.
