Quarantine violators drop by 45 percent – PNP

MANILA, Philippines — The number of people accosted for quarantine and curfew violations went down by 45 percent after the police intensified its crackdown on individuals defying guidelines of the national government to curb the transmission of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Data from the Philippine National Police (PNP) showed that 1,811 curfew violators were apprehended nationwide over the weekend. The figure is lower by 45.35 percent compared to 3,314 violators accosted on April 21.

Since March 17, a total of 147, 751 violators across the country have been arrested. Of the number, 92,745 were nabbed in Luzon, which was placed by President Duterte under enhanced community quarantine.

The remaining 55,006 were accosted in some parts of the Visayas and Mindanao, which also imposed quarantine measures.

PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said the number of violators decreased after they beefed up police visibility on the streets.

The PNP has deployed Special Action Force commandos at public markets and Highway Patrol Group personnel along major roads in Metro Manila to ensure that only frontliners and those authorized by the government are outside their homes.

Eleazar said they are bracing for more challenges once the status in some areas is downgraded to a general community quarantine.

Unlike under an enhanced community quarantine, Eleazar said more people would be allowed to leave their homes under a general community quarantine.

“Mas maluwag at relaxed ang rules under general community quarantine,” he said.