A total of 17,593 public utility vehicles were apprehended for violations of the quarantine protocols on public transportation during the 193-day period of the community quarantine which started on March 17.
Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo Eleazar, commander of the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, said most of the violations include defiance on public transport ban at the height of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) and violations of minimum health safety standard protocols such as non-wearing of face mask and face shields and failing to observe physical distancing of the passengers.
The observance of physical distancing was delegated to the operators and drivers of the PUVs but police would regularly monitor them in checkpoints and in the conduct of random inspections.
The PUVs include tricycles, buses, jeepneys, taxis, and vans.
Of the total number of PUVs apprehended, a total of 12,890 of them are from Luzon; 3,775 in the Visayas; and 928 in Mindanao.
The drivers were either warned or cited for traffic violations.
Meanwhile, Eleazar said they also arrested 974 people for hoarding and price manipulation of medical supplies that are being used as protection for COVID-19.