ALL Philippine National Police (PNP) preparations including stepped-up visibility patrols and security checks in the borders of NCR Plus Bubble are in place to help prevent the further spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus during the forthcoming Yuletide Season, PNP chief, General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said yesterday.

The top cop said he has ordered intensified police visibility across the country specifically in public areas such as malls and shopping centers as the ‘Ber Months’ had already started.

In particular, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO)headed by Major Gen. Vicente D. Danao Jr. and other police territorial units are guarding against social gatherings amid the threat posed to public health by the deadly COVID-19 Delta variant. The independent research group OCTA warned the public against taking part in social gatherings amid the spike in cases of the more infectious variant of the coronavirus.

“I am directing police commanders to be more vigilant in preventing the occurrence of social gatherings, which may be considered super spreader events that could lead to a high transmission rate of COVID-19,” Gen. Eleazar said.

The PNP chief said that as the start of the ‘Ber months’ ushers the beginning of Christmas season in the Philippines where Filipinos usually find themselves in malls or in other leisure areas, he has ordered all 17 Police Regional Office directors to see to it that their men would be more visible in public to thwart criminality and ensure the safety and security of the people.

Citing the unusual situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he also directed his field commanders to ensure that the minimum health standards are observed by the public in shopping centers and other public places.

“Hindi man katulad ng dati kung saan ramdam ang pagpasok ng ‘ber months’ dahil sa hinaharap nating pandemya, mananatiling naka-alerto ang inyong PNP sa pagbabantay sa ating mga kababayan lalo na sa lugar na dating tambayan kung saan maaring magbaka-sakali ang mga snatcher at iba pang mga pasaway sa lipunan gaya ng palengke lalo na ang Divisoria at iba pang mga lugar,” Gen. Eleazar said.

Part of the security measures is the tightening of its border control in NCR Plus areas to prevent unauthorized travel of the public and help control transmission of the virus specifically its deadly Delta variant.

Policemen manning Quarantine Control Points in NCR Plus and other parts of the country have been ordered to ensure that only Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) are allowed to travel in and out.

The tight security measures along the borders of NCR Plus in Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal provinces are being implemented by the JTF COVID Shield headed by PNP Deputy Chief for Operations, Lieutenant Gen. Israel Ephraim T. Dickson in compliance with IATF Resolution No. 130-A.

As instructed by the IATF, officers manning the QCPs shall only allow the passage of APORs provided they present IATF identification cards issued by regulatory agencies and/or valid IDs or pertinent documentation issued by establishments allowed to operate under the current quarantine classification.

Police will bar the passage of Unauthorized Persons Outside Residence (UPORs) and will ask them to return to their homes.

“The implementation of strict border controls in the NCR+ areas is critical to stopping the spread of the Delta variant,” Sec. Año said.

The DILG chief told the PNP to implement IATF protocols strictly and without let-up but to always observe the rule of law and the rules of engagement.

He also reminded the PNP to allow the free movement of cargo/delivery vehicles, especially those bringing food across all quarantine control points because these are important to the economy.

“We have instructed all QCPs to allow the unimpeded movement of cargo trucks and delivery vehicles across all our checkpoints,” he said.

Sec. Año said any violation of the prohibitions may constitute non-cooperation of the person or entities which is punishable under Section 9 of Republic Act11332.

The National Capital Region Police Office headed by Major Gen. Vicente D. Danao Jr. has been strictly enforcing the quarantine measures in Metro Manila since last August 6.

The NCRPO was ordered by Gen. Eleazar to make sure that all the quarantine restrictions that have been implemented before, including the deployment of appropriate number of PNP personnel and the coordination with Local Government Units for force multipliers, will be in place.

“From the streets, communities, public utility vehicles, mass transport system and even in business establishments, we are making sure that the minimum public health safety protocols and other quarantine rules will be strictly implemented in order to achieve the purpose of this decision: to contain the spread of the COVID-19, particularly the more transmissible Delta variant,” the PNP chief said.

The NCRPO has stepped up its visibility patrols and tightened its watch in all QCPs to accost UPORs.

During the ECQ and Modified ECQ, only APORs or essential workers are allowed to leave their homes to go to work.

“Hindi na bago ang mga quarantine restrictions sa amin kaya tiwala ako na maayos na maipapatupad ito ng ating mga kapulisan,” Gen. Eleazar said.

The PNP chief time and time again has reminded his men to be courteous at all times and respect the rights of the public as they enforce rules set by the IATF and LGUs.

“Hindi kasama sa ating tungkulin ang pagpaparusa, pananakit at pagpapahiya sa mga violators,” Gen. Eleazar said.

The PNP chief said that as previously practiced by the NCRPO during the ECQ enforcement last year, maximum tolerance is being employed by the metropolitan police force in dealing with quarantine violators.

“Subalit hindi na kailangang paabutin pa sa unnecessary confrontations at maging sa punto ng arestuhan ang mahigpit na pagpapatupad nito kaya nakikiusap din ako sa ating mga kababayan sa Metro Manila na maayos na sumunod sa mga alitunitunin ng MECQ at respetuhin natin ang mga taong nagpapatupad nito, hindi lang ang mga pulis kundi pati na rin ang mga force multipliers na kabilang ang mga barangay tanod,” he said.

“The fight against the COVID-19, including all its variants, is not only the responsibility of the people in the government, it is an obligation of everybody and our first line of defense is to be mindful of our protection and that of our family at all times—and to avail of the free vaccinations the moment that it becomes available for you,” he said.