PNP wants to check quarantine exemption abuse

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) wants stricter rules in implementing stay-at-home orders for APOR or authorized persons outside residence who allegedly abuse the exemptions given them.

PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said policemen manning checkpoints nationwide have reported that a number of APOR used the exemptions, including identification cards issued by the government, for non-essential travel.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases earlier gave community quarantine exemption for workers whose industries were allowed to operate. The workers were either given government-issued identification cards or simply required to present documents as proof of employment.

Eleazar, also commander of the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, clarified that the exemption is limited to work-related travel.

“However, we have been receiving reports that there are some abuses committed since those given exemptions are using it to travel anywhere they want and anytime they want which are basically violations of the existing quarantine rules,” Eleazar said in a statement yesterday.

These incidents, he added, often cause verbal confrontations at checkpoints. He urged the APOR not to use their exemptions for travel not related to their jobs.

Metro Manila and its neighboring provinces that are under MECQ have increased and tightened checkpoints in a bid to restrict residents from crossing borders.

MECQ, the second strictest lockdown level, bans mass transportation – except bicycles, motorcycles or e-scooters. Some local governments, however, allowed tricycles to continue operating, provided that the one-passenger policy would be enforced and only the APOR would be allowed to board.

The measure also limits the operations of certain industries, with manufacturing plants and other select establishments only allowed to operate at half capacity.