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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Keep an eye on 'super spreader events' this fiesta month, Eleazar tells cops

Keep an eye on 'super spreader events' this fiesta month, Eleazar tells cops

Published May 14, 2021 03:40 pm

Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, General Guillermo Eleazar ordered police commanders Friday, May 14, to strictly monitor and prevent mass gatherings in their areas of responsibility (AORs) this "fiesta month" of May to avoid the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

MAY THE FORCE BE WITH YOU: PNP Chief Gen. Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar visits the Special Action Force Headquarters at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City on Wednesday, May 12, 2021 to preside over the change of leadership between Maj. Gen. Bernabe Balba and newly-designated SAF director Brig. Gen. Felipe Natividad. In the ceremony, PGEN Eleazar lauded SAF for continuously being the face of courage, integrity and discipline of the PNP. (Photo: PNP-SAF)

"I am directing the police commanders to strictly monitor happenings in your AORs. Napakahalaga po ang inyong papel para mapigilan natin ang mass gatherings o mga potential super spreader events ngayong panahon ng piyesta (You are playing an important role in preventing mass gatherings or potential super spreader events this fiesta season," he said.

On Thursday night, President Duterte ordered local government units (LGUs) to implement measures against mass gatherings this month, which he noted was filled with fiestas. Among the most popular festivals this month are the Flores de Mayo (Santacruzan) and the Magayon Festival in Albay.

Eleazar said the police will closely coordinate with the LGUs to make sure that people can still enjoy the festivities even if there is a ban on mass gatherings.

"Madali po ang hawahan tuwing may mga kainan, prusisyon, o kahit anong selebrasyon. Ito ang mga tinatawag nating mga 'super spreader events.' Huwag naman po nating isugal ang ating kaligtasan at kalusugan sa mga ito (Infection can easily occur during feasts, procession, or other celebrations. These are what we call 'super spreader events.' Let us not gamble our safety and health in these things)," he appealed to the public.

The country’s top cop also emphasized that policemen will no longer issue warnings to violators as the minimum public safety health protocols, including the prohibition on mass gatherings, have been implemented since last year.

"This time, they should already know our minimum health standards. It should be automatic among us by this time. We have long prohibited mass gatherings and we already know the ways how to avoid the spread of COVID-19," he said.

Nevertheless, the PNP chief reminded his subordinates to refrain from physically hurting, punishing, or subjecting violators to embarrassing situations. He said the cops should instead hand out masks to violators for free.

Aside from the ban on mass gatherings, Eleazar said the police will also strictly enforce curfews set by the LGUs.

Related Tags

covid-19 fiesta PNP mass gathering pandemic Guillermo Eleazar super spreader
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