As longer curfew hours will be implemented in Metro Manila tonight, July 25, the Philippine National Police (PNP) urged the public to cooperate by observing the rules and respecting the people who would enforce the stricter measures against the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar said the longer curfew hours is not a new policy, saying these were already done last year and even the recent implementation of the National Capital Region Plus Bubble in March this year.
"This is necessary in order to help contain the spread of the Delta variant, described as more virulent based on what happened in India," said Eleazar.
"This is not the first time that this was implemented so we in the PNP expect that there will be no problem in its implementation," he added.
The Metro Manila Council has lengthened the curfew hours in the National Capital Region to 10 p.m. to 4 a.m., from the previous 12 a.m. to 4 a.m., beginning July 25, Sunday.
This is to prevent the further transmission of the Delta variant, which is believed to be more transmissible, and to stop the increase in the number of COVID-19 infections in Metro Manila.
According to the Metro Manila Council, longer curfew hours means that the movement of the public will be limited.
Eleazar also expressed confidence that the decision for longer curfew hours would no longer result in arrests and other unnecessary confrontations between the violators and people enforcing the rule, including policemen and barangay security officers.
"I am expecting all our personnel to properly explain and properly deal with the public in the implementation during the curfew hours. I am also expecting that the public will respect this rule and those who are enforcing it," said Eleazar.
"If we would just learn how to prioritize tour safety and the safety of your family, I believe that we will no longer come to the point of arrest in the implementation of curfew not only in Metro Manila but anywhere in the country," he added.