No arrest for violators unless they resist cops

CEBU, Philippines —  Despite the virtual lockdown due to the cancellation of 250,000 quarantine passes issued by the Cebu City government, police authorities assured that no violators will be arrested unless they show resistance and violence.

Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) officer-in-charge Colonel Cydric Earl Tamayo said that unauthorized persons caught on the streets were just told to go home. Tamayo said the police are doing more on the awareness campaign to keep the people at home while the city is under the more restrictive enhanced community quarantine status.

"Ang one aim lang namo is to aware the community, ang mga Sugboanon na bawal sa sila mugawas kay kanselado ang Qpass," Tamayo said.

(Our aim is to make the community aware that they are prohibited from going out of their houses because the quarantine pass has been cancelled)

"Pag sila nagtuo man pud, okay ta walay problema kay ang uban wala man kabalo, (if they follow, then there is no problem because some are also not aware) we are forceful on reminding them...if they will become unruly so we will bring them to the nearest police station para atong kasohan kung kinahanglanon (to file charges if necessary)," he added.

According to Tamayo, there is no difference in the guidelines of implementing the ECQ except that no quarantine passes are honored this time. Asked whether those who desire to go out to buy essentials will be allowed, Tamayo said they still awaiting instruction. Pending the instruction, people are advised to remain in their homes.

He said assessment is being made to ensure that only one quarantine pass is given per household to limit the number of people on the streets.

Checkpoints

Checkpoints have been set up in at least 13 areas around the city starting Tuesday night to strictly enforce the ECQ protocols. Checkpoint areas have been increased to 17 following the arrival of additional augmentation forces from the neighboring provinces in the Visayas.

Lt. Col Ali Baron, chief of the Regional Operation and Management Division, said 107 police personnel from Regions 6 and 8 were augmented in Cebu City.

There were also 73 personnel from Bohol Provincial Police Office that arrived yesterday.

Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office also sent 30 personnel while Siquijor augmented 25.

The neighboring cities of Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu added 38 and 25, respectively.  FPL (FREEMAN)