The Philippine National Police (PNP) will enforce border control measures starting midnight of August 1 at the boundaries of the National Capital Region (NCR) Plus areas in a bid to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) Delta variant.
The implementation of the Enhanced Community Quarantine in Metro Manila will start on August 6 but Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año said he had already instructed the PNP to start the strict implementation of travel restrictions early.
“The implementation of strict border controls in the NCR-plus areas is critical to stopping the spread of the Delta variant,” Año said.
It was the Joint Task Force COVID Shield which was instructed by the DILG on Saturday, July 31, to activate the Quarantine Control Points (QCPs) along the boundaries of NCR Plus to ensure that only Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR) are allowed to travel in and out the area.
The QCPs will be at the the borders of NCR-plus in Cavite, Bulacan, Laguna and Rizal.
Año said that the PNP shall only allow APORs to pass and will recognize IATF IDs issued by regulatory agencies and valid IDs or pertinent documentation issued by establishments allowed to operate under the current quarantine classification.
The DILG chief noted that unauthorized persons outside of residence (UPOR) will not be allowed to pass and will be asked to return to their homes.
He asked the PNP to implement IATF protocols strictly and without let-up but to always observe the rule of law and the rules of engagement.
Año also reminded the PNP to allow the free movement of cargo/delivery vehicles, especially those bringing food across all quarantine control points because these are important to the economy.
“We have instructed all QCPs to allow the unimpeded movement of cargo trucks and delivery vehicles across all our checkpoints,” he added.
He said any violation of the prohibitions may constitute non-cooperation of the person or entities which is punishable under Section 9 of republic Act (RA) 11332. (Chito A. Chavez)