PNP ready to secure PH against Omicron
PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Dionardo B. Carlos yesterday said they are preparing for any changes in the enforcement of quarantine protocols in Metro Manila and the rest of the country amid the latest threat brought about by the new COVID-19 Omicron variant discovered abroad while they are planning for next year’s polls.
“We’re been there, done that. The implementation of the strictest quarantine protocol is not new to us and the PNP is always ready to go back to our deployment template,” the top cop said in a press statement.
However, Carlos said they will be needing the full cooperation of the general public in fighting the new strain as he admitted they would be up for a more challenging task since they are also preparing to ensure a safe, secure and fair 2022 national and local elections.
“There will be mobilization of supporters but we need to strike a balance between allowing them to freely express their inherent political right and the need to suppress the spread of the virus.
Once this happens, we will seek the guidance of the Commission on Elections on the possible adjustment in the campaign guidelines,” the PNP chief explained.
Carlos said they are willing to help other government agencies secure different entry points in the country to help prevent the entry of the new strain in the locality.
The government has tightened security on our borders to prevent the entry of the new COVID-19 variant. The Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved a resolution temporarily suspending inbound international flights from South Africa, Botswana, and other countries with local cases or with the likelihood of occurrences of the B.1.1.529 or Omicron variant.
