The Philippine National Police will immediately arrest violators of the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine without warning, said PNP Chief Police General Archie Gamboa in a press briefing on April 21.
“There will be no more warning for ECQ violators. Instead, arrest and inquest procedures will be applied to cases of violation of Republic Act No. 11469 [or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act 11332], as well as Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code,” Gamboa said.
From March 17 to April 21, there were 98,986 violators warned, 6,168 fined, and 31,363 arrested. Of those arrested, 2,467 are still detained. This brings the total to 136,517 enhanced community quarantine violators. During this 35-day period, 732 persons were arrested for hoarding, profiteering, and manipulation of prices of basic goods. 9,419 Public Utility Vehicles drivers were apprehended.
“I have also authorized the deployment of 12 teams of Special Action Force, totaling 116 personnel to strategic locations, initially within Metro Manila to augment local PNP Units in the intensified enforcement of ECQ starting today,” Gamboa added.
He called on local government units in Metro Manila, Region II, and CALABARZON to create ordinances that will help in the strict implementation of the enhanced community quarantine.
This came after the April 21 pronouncement of Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, and followed President Rodrigo Duterte’s warning that the police would take over should the enhanced community quarantine violations persist.
