4,000 cops to be deployed vs Zamboanga ECQ violators

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — At least 4,000 additional police officers will be deployed in Zamboanga peninsula to assist local government units (LGUs) in the implementation of an enhanced community quarantine.

Col. John Guyguyon, regional police deputy chief for administration, said various LGUs and barangays have requested for augmentation.

Guyguyon lamented that many residents refused to heed the order of local government officials to stay home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

He said 2,877 people have been arrested in Western Mindanao for quarantine violations since March 27.

Guyguyon said 104 cases were filed against the violators. Fourteen were fined while seven remain in police custody.

More arrested

Meanwhile, three women who traveled from Metro Manila to Tuguegarao City in Cagayan were placed in a government quarantine facility on Tuesday. 

Residents of Barangay Linao East reported the presence of the women, whom they said arrived on two sport utility vehicles on April 16.

In Baguio City, 32 people, including five foreigners, were arrested in the crackdown against unauthorized persons outside their residence.

Police have arrested 63 people, including a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman, in Baguio City since Monday.

In Negros Occidental, eight beneficiaries of the special amelioration program (SAP) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development were arrested in a drug bust and for illegal gambling in Victorias City yesterday.

Col. Romeo Baleros, Negros Occidental police director, said police have stepped up their campaign against illegal drugs and illegal gambling amid reports that SAP beneficiaries use the financial assistance they received from the government for their illegal activities.

Total lockdown

In Cavite, Bacoor Mayor Lani Mercado-Revilla issued an executive order placing Barangay Molino III on total lockdown from April 24 to 30 due to the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases.

”No resident of Barangay Molino III can go out and no resident outside the barangay can enter boundary checkpoints,” Revilla said.

She said new quarantine passes, which should be used on a limited basis, would be issued.

Revilla maintained that non-essential travel is banned. – Raymund Catindig, Artemio Dumlao, Gilbert Bayoran, Emmanuel Tupas