By Jeffrey Damicog The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Tuesday, March 17, defended the decision of the Philippine National Police (PNP) to arrest public transport drivers and impound their public utility vehicles (PUVs) for continuing to operate in defiance of measures under the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine. Department of Justice (DOJ) Undersecretary Markk Perete (Photo courtesy of dumaguetecity.gov.ph / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) “We should note that the guidelines on the enhanced community quarantine suspended temporarily the operation of mass public transport facilities,” Justice DOJ Spokesperson and Undersecretary Markk Perete said. “The suspension is meant to minimize mobility and prevent mass transmission of the disease.” Perete warned that those who defy the enhanced community quarantine measures face charges of resistance and disobedience to a person in authority under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC), among others. Meanwhile, PNP Chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said he will also ask the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to issue an order instructing all transport operators that their operations are currently suspended because of the enhanced community quarantine. “Remember, in the hands of an operator, a franchise to operate is a privilege saddled with conditions, among them compliance with lawful orders of the state,” he said. Perete pointed out taht transport operators could face suspensions of their franchises should they violate such an LTFRB order. “Action against the franchise becomes important since operators may force their drivers to continue plying routes,” he said. “The possible cancellation, etc. of the franchise could deter operators from doing so.”