Ex-PNP chief-turned-senatorial candidate Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar
Eleazar tells cops to stay alert amid eased COVID rules
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar yesterday ordered all police units outside Metro Manila to be on alert in implementing new IATF restrictions to further prevent the spread of COVID-19.
He said with the implementation of the COVID-19 alert level system outside the metropolis, all concerned police provincial offices must be well-informed of the regulations under each system in order to effectively enforce them and avoid public confusion.
The order came amid continuing efforts of the police force to strictly enforce minimum public health safety protocols such as the mandatory wearing of face masks and face shields and physical distancing in churches, recreational areas, shopping malls, public markets and other places of convergence.
“Kasama ang inyong Philippine National Police sa natutuwa sa unti-unting pagbabalik sa normal ng sitwasyon sa ating bansa. But this will not be the reason for us to lower our guard because as the national government plans to expand the easing of restrictions beyond Metro Manila, I have already issued instructions to all our unit commanders to fully prepare for this in their respective areas of responsibility in order to ensure that this will not result in super spreader events,” Gen. Eleazar said.
The national government said the COVID-19 alert level system will be implemented outside NCR from October 20 to October 31.
This came as protocols in Metro Manila were somehow eased and more establishments have been allowed to operate due to the decrease in the number of infections across the metropolis
According to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque, Negros Oriental and Davao Occidental are placed under Alert Level 4 while those under Alert Level 3 include Cavite, Laguna, Rizal, Siquijor, Davao City and Davao del Norte.
Areas under Alert Level 2 are Batangas, Quezon, Lucena City, Bohol, Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City, Mandaue City, Cebu, Davao de Oro, Davao del Sur, and Davao Oriental.
Gen. Eleazar said regular coordination with the Local Government Units is also important in order to ensure proper implementation and to avoid confusion in the implementation of the restrictions.
He also appealed to the public to cooperate and follow authorities as the rules being implemented are for everyone’s safety.
