Quezon City barangay chiefs told: Strictly enforce quarantine guidelines

MANILA, Philippines — Following reports of clustering and community transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in some areas, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte reminded barangay officials to strictly enforce general community quarantine guidelines.

Belmonte on Thursday met with all 142 barangay captains of the city to reiterate their responsibility in enforcing national and local regulations to control the spread of COVID-19.

“We have been informed that most of the causes for the spread of COVID-19 cases in areas that were recently placed under special concern lockdown were due to various unauthorized activities, which were regrettably preventable,” said the mayor.

“There were reports that residents in the said areas had drinking sessions, boodle fights, wakes that exceeded limitations in duration and number of attendees, and even played basketball and volleyball,” she added.

The mayor also cited reports of videoke sessions and birthday parties that supposedly caused transmission in some areas.

She said the cases were discovered after the conduct of intensive contact tracing and testing in areas under lockdown.

At the meeting, Belmonte underscored the responsibilities of barangay captains in strictly enforcing protocols within their respective jurisdictions, including the wearing of face masks, physical distancing and prohibition of mass gatherings.

Barangays were also reminded to conduct foot patrols to disseminate information to residents, enforce the public safety hours from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and strictly regulate the sale of liquor, which is only allowed from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

“We also remind barangay officials that the Department of the Interior and Local Government is constantly monitoring if they are cooperating with the city government. Failure to do so may lead to the filing of administrative cases against both local and barangay officials,” said the mayor.

The city government, police and the barangays are set to release joint protocols to ensure the smooth coordination and uniform implementation of enforcement procedures and penalties in the communities.

As of Friday, the Department of Health confirmed 3,707 cases in Quezon City, including 239 deaths and 2,116 recoveries.

Six areas are under special concern lockdown: Kaingin Bukid in Apolonio Samson; Portion of King Christian St. in Bagbag; Insurance St. Extension and Loans St., Alley 4 in Sangandaan; 70 Mendez Road in Baesa; and Marytown (sapa) in Loyola Heights.