PNP ready to enforce granular lockdown in Metro Manila

by: SUSAN G. DE LEON

CALOOCAN CITY, (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) is ready to assist in the implementation of the pilot testing of the granular lockdown in Metro Manila beginning September 8.

PNP Chief Police General Guillermo Lorenzo T Eleazar said he had given instructions to all police commanders in Metro Manila, through the Joint Task Force COVID Shield headed by PLTGEN Israel Ephraim Dickson and NCRPO Regional Director PMGEN Vicente Danao, Jr. to coordinate with their respective local government units (LGUs) regarding the enforcement of granular lockdown.

“Batay na rin sa kautusan ng ating SILG Eduardo Año, inatasan ko na ang ating mga police commanders sa Metro Manila na makipag-ugnayan sa kani-kanilang local government units sa pagpapatupad ng granular lockdown upang matiyak ang maayos na pagpapatupad at maiwasan ang kalituhan sa pagpapatupad nito,” said PGen Eleazar.

The Chief PNP said that even before the announcement of the granular lockdown, he had already directed Metro Manila police commanders to prepare for its possible implementation.

With the announcement of SILG Año, PGen Eleazar said coordination must already start in order to ensure smooth flow of its implementation.

Some LGUs in the National Capital Region, however, have already implemented granular lockdowns in their respective areas.

Based on the PNP data, there are 51 barangays in Metro Manila which are currently under granular lockdown.

“Ang pagpapatupad ng granular lockdown ay solusyon na nakikita ng ating pamahalaan na balansehin ang pagbubukas ng ekonomiya at ang kontrolin ang pagkalat ng COVID-19. Sinusuportahan ito ng inyong PNP,” said PGen Eleazar.

“I urge the public to cooperate with measures and regulations that the government is imposing to stop the surge in COVID-19 cases. Kung hindi man para sa ating sarili ay sumunod tayo sa mga public health safety at quarantine protocols para sa kaligtasan at kalusugan ng ating mga mahal sa buhay,” he added.

The National Capital Region is under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until September 7.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said the pilot testing for the granular lockdown in Metro Manila would begin on September 8. After that, it will be assessed, and a recommendation will then be delivered to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez has said the granular lockdown will be better for the economy as it will allow more establishments and businesses to operate amid the threat of COVID-19 pandemic.

The national government ensured that it would support LGUs in giving food assistance to residents that will be affected by the granular lockdown. (PNP/PIA-NCR)