PNP: No physical punishment for curfew violators

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) yesterday warned police officers not to impose physical punishment on curfew violators.

PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar issued the warning as he instructed policemen to strictly implement the curfew especially in Metro Manila where the number of COVID-19 infections remains high.

“One thing is clear, there must be no physical punishment that would be imposed on arrested curfew violators,” he said in a statement.

Those who are caught could face administrative sanctions, according to Eleazar.

Over 360,000 individuals have been accosted since the government imposed a community quarantine last March 17 to contain the spread of COVID-19.

President Duterte on Monday approved the recommendation of the National Task Force against COVID-19 placing Metro Manila, Bulacan, Batangas and the cities of Tacloban and Bacolod under a general community quarantine.

Iligan City, meanwhile, was placed under the stringent modified general community quarantine while the rest of the country is under a modified general community quarantine.

Mayors in Metro Manila are planning to shorten the curfew period which is currently from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. in order to further allow economic activity.

Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, however, will continue to impose a curfew of 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., citing the city’s “local autonomy.”

“Containing the unnecessary movement and gathering of people even within a community is part of the general medical solution against COVID-19 since what we are after is the prevention of the spread of this deadly virus,” said Eleazar.