COVID-19 task force sets up mobile checkpoints, enacts stricter sanctions

MANILA: Firmer measures will be put in place to significantly reduce the number of people going out during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

That was the announcement made by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) versus COVID-19 after an increased number of people were seen driving out in various parts of Metro Manila.

The Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group (PNP-HPG) has now been instructed to inspect private vehicles to ascertain whether or not the driver and passengers belong on the list of Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR). Violators will be issued a Land Transportation Office-Temporary Operator’s Permit or Metropolitan Manila Development Authority-Ordinance Violation Receipt.

“This is all being done for us and our families in order to prevent the virus from spreading. We appeal to everyone to please cooperate and, as much as possible, stay home,” said Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, spokesperson of the IATF.

As of April 15, 2020, 114,972 have been caught breaking ECQ rules imposed by the government.

According to Nograles, aside from sanctions under the “Bayanihan Heal as One Act,” each local government unit (LGU) is authorized to pass its own ordinance, executive order, or local law to impose stiffer penalties versus violators.

Mobile checkpoints have also been set up by the Joint Task Force Corona Virus (JTF-CV) in order to apprehend unauthorized persons outside residence (UPOR) and warn vehicle occupants about physical distancing in the cabin.

“I directed (the) HPG to conduct mobile checkpoints and Oplan Habol along EDSA and other major thoroughfares in NCR (National Capital Region) to check on private vehicles if there are UPOR occupants. HPG is coordinating with MMDA on this,” JTF CV Shield commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

A total of 115 dedicated control points have been put up by the HPG in strategic locations nationwide.

"Let us all understand that the ECQ will only be effective in containing COVID-19 if we limit our movements. This is all being done for us and for our families in order to prevent the virus from spreading. We appeal to everyone to please cooperate and as much as possible stay home. Kaya bahay muna, buhay muna (Home first, lives first)," added Nograles.

Photo courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

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