By Chito Chavez
Barangay Bagong Silangan in Quezon City’s second district will be placed under total lockdown from 5 a.m. of May 4 up to 5 a.m of May 5 as many residents have habitually violated quarantine protocols.
Barangay chairman Willy Cara, in an interview over DZMM, expressed frustration over the clusters of people, mostly youngsters exchanging pleasantries on the roadside, violating the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) regulations.
At present, the Quezon City Health Department (QCHD) reported that Barangay Bagong Silangan has seven confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
The chairman noted that the stubborn teenagers refused to yield to the persistent calls of the barangay tanods (village security officers) to stay home.
Local resident Pat Estonactor, who rents a small room in the area, noticed that the group would initially follow the order but return a few minutes later when barangay tanods leave the place.
Cara said that foot patrol will be more intense with more checkpoints being set-up in the barangay’s broders.
He noted that those with quarantine passes are allowed to leave their residence to buy essential needs.
During the day-long lockdown, Cara said variety stores will be closed but wet markets, pharmacies, and other essential stores will be opened.
He noted that frontliners and those employed outside the barangay may be allowed to leave their homes.