PNP: Heavier traffic flow, more people observed in areas under COVID Alert Level 1
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has observed heavy traffic flow in Metro Manila and all areas under COVID Alert Level 1 status since the restrictions on the movement of people were eased on Tuesday, Mar. 1.
The observation was based on the report of police commanders on the ground who also noticed the sudden increase of people going out.
“We are coordinating with the different government agencies and offices to better monitor the traffic flow and assist in the enforcement of traffic rules,” said PNP chief Gen. Dionardo Carlos.
But what worries the PNP leadership is that some local government units (LGUs) did not release a new executive order for the implementation of the COVID Alert Level 1 status, saying its absence may create confusion for both the health safety protocol enforcers and the public.
"All Chiefs of Police concerned must seek guidance from the local chief executives on the enforcement aspect to avoid confusion. Definitely, minimum public health standard like the wearing of face mask is still mandatory in public areas,” said Carlos.
In Metro Manila, more than 3,000 individuals were warned because of minimum public health standard violation, and 861 were fined on March 1, based on the local executive order existing in their areas.
Carlos said unit commanders in areas under Alert Level 1 are implementing protocols in coordination with their respective LGUs.
He said QCPs (Quarantine Control Points) established under higher alert level can be converted to law enforcement checkpoint or Comelec checkpoint.
Some 6,766 PNP personnel are deployed in quarantine control points around the country. This coincides with the Comelec-PNP-AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) checkpoints that are in placed during this election period.