By Jeffrey Damicog  The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Wednesday defended the decision of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-MEID) to place barangay checkpoints under the supervision of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete
(PNA / PTV / MANILA BULLETIN) “Ensuring the uniform application of the same set of rules is necessary,” DOJ Undersecretary Markk Perete said. The DOJ spokesman said many local government units (LGUs), including barangays, were found to be implementing their own sets of rules which were found not in conformity with the directives of the IATF-MEID. “The issuance by different barangays/LGUs (local government units) of different rules, especially those that impose undue restrictions not imposed by the IATF-MED makes difficult the attainment of these objectives,” he said. “Hence, the DILG/PNP supervision of checkpoints,” the DOJ spokesman pointed out. With the PNP supervision, Perete said this will ensure that there is a uniform application of the IATF-MEID directives. “We want people to strictly follow the quarantine rules to arrest the further transmission of the virus,” he said. “We also need to ensure that those involved in food security and the continued provision of essential utilities will be allowed movement,” he added.