Barangay officials 'weakest link' in enforcement of rules vs mass gathering- Año
By Chito Chavez
The barangays are the ‘weakest link’’ in the strict enforcement of mass gathering regulations amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an official of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) admitted Tuesday night, May 25.
In an interview over CNN Philippines, DILG Secretary Eduardo Año this pertains on how the barangay officials will implement the rules against the "super spreader events’’ which include fiestas, parties, karaoke sessions, disco, drinking binges, basketball games, boxing events, religious activities and other similar undertakings.
Stressing that health protocol regulations should be strictly observed, Año said that these (health protocols) should be strictly imposed to prevent the transmission and surge of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
In the coming days, Año revealed that the DILG will issue an advisory to empower the barangay officials assert their lawful authority in enforcing health safety measure regulations.
The DILG chief noted that within the week pipilitin nating mailabas ito (memorandum) kasi kailangang kailangan na to ano (we will try to issue this since it is badly needed).’’
He emphasized that the advisory will include the mandatory patrols of the barangay tanod (village security personnel) adding that they should be on patrol especially during the holidays and weekends.
Since it is summer time, Año maintained the need for the barangay tanods to visit the resorts and the recreation facilities in their areas as people are tempted to look for ‘’relief and refreshing outlet.’’
He noted that the barangays should post hotline numbers in conspicuous areas where concerned citizens may report mass gathering violators.
Año also pointed out that the barangay operations centers should have direct links with the Philippine National Police (PNP) stations in running after health protocol violators.
On the sale of COVID-19 slots, Año said that investigations are currently ongoing since the names that they currently have are those being contacted.
“Hindi actually yung pagbebenta ng bakuna, kung papano isisingit yung mga gustong magpabakuna na may pambayad (We are not actually focused on the sale of the vaccine but on how those who have money to pay for the injection are inserted in the roster),’’ he added.