Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), ordered all policemen to give free face masks to those who would be arrested for no wearing any as the government intensified its campaign to run after those who are not wearing or not properly wearing face mask amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
"The PNP will provide free face masks to persons who could not afford to buy one," said Eleazar.
Last week, Eleazar warned policemen to refrain from punishing or hurting violators who would be arrested for not wearing face masks, or improperly wearing them.
This is in compliance to the order of President Duterte to arrest the violators as COVID-19 cases continue to rise.
Eleazar said that violators of ordinance relating to wearing of face mask will not be jailed but will be booked and investigated.
"Violators can be held for a maximum of 12 hours while undergoing investigation and booking procedure, during such time, we will provide them face masks to protect our own investigators, and their fellow violators," Eleazar explained.
He said violators will also undergo records check to determine previous arrest record for similar offense for which appropriate penalty for repeat offenders will apply.
Those found with outstanding Warrants of Arrest will undergo further appropriate police action in coordination with judicial authorities.