By Franco Regala
CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga — Checkpoints and control points along borders and boundaries of each province region-wide are now fully guarded as 10,000 police personnel from Central Luzon have been deployed after President Duterte placed the entire Luzon under enhanced community quarantine due to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Central Luzon Police Director Brig. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia said deployment of troops started midnight March 17, with the police personnel equipped with thermal scanners to monitor those entering and leaving the borders of each province.
He said that troops were also tasked to guard sensitive areas such as terminals, airports, seaports, and convergence areas such as parks, churches, malls, and supermarkets, among others.
Sermonia called on the public to be patient and to understand the situation for now even as he admitted that the police presence everywhere could prove to be an inconvenience to everyone.
“We are doing this for the safety and protection of every one. I have directed our personnel to always uphold the law and respect for human rights must be observed at all times,” he stressed.
He likewise urged the public to cooperate and help authorities in mitigating the spread of COvID-19 in the region.
Sermonia further reminded his men to abide by the guidelines and measures set under the directives of the President, pointing that failure to do so will be subjected to appropriate action in accordance with the laws and regulations.