25,000 quarantine violators arrested

MANILA, Philippines — Around 25,000 people were arrested from March 17 to April 10 for violating the enhanced community quarantine.

Data from the Philippine National Police showed that 60,040 were apprehended in Luzon, 18,514 from the Visayas and 23,420 from Mindanao.

About a fifth of those arrested underwent inquest proceedings.  

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, commander of joint task force COVID-19 shield, said arrests would continue while the lockdown is in effect.

“Para malaman ng public na seryoso kami,” Eleazar said in a text message. 

At least 72,265 other people caught violating quarantine protocols were issued warnings while around 5,000 were fined.

Aside from those held for disobedience and violating the curfew, 675 people were arrested for alleged hoarding and profiteering.

At least 7,975 drivers of public utility vehicles were also apprehended.