The chief of the Philippine National Police said he was considering removing quarantine checkpoints in Metro Manila and deploy troops instead to vaccination and ayuda distribution areas.
Checkpoints, in place to ensure only authorized persons outside residence (APOR) are outside during ECQ, cause too much traffic, Gen Guillermo Eleazar said on Sunday.
"Sa una, dalawa, pangatlong araw 'pag nakita nating kokonti lang ang violators na ito, ire-recommend ko na huwag na tayo mag-checkpoint pa," he said.
“Kasi ‘yung checkpoint natin, we have to accept talagang nagko-cause siya ng matinding trapiko, kaya nga nag-a-adjust tayo, ina-adapt natin itong mga random checking,” said Eleazar.
Freeing police units of checkpoint duties will allow them to ensure minimum health protocols are in place in vaccination sites and cash aid distribution, he said.
During ECQ, scheduled to last until Aug. 20, only those who are running essential errands or are permitted to work on-site can leave their homes. Inter-city travel or crossing "tiny bubbles" are also banned.
Eleazar said other APORs, or those traveling for medical and humanitarian reasons, may also cross checkpoints. Those who will get vaccinated are also allowed to go out, provided they present their vaccination schedule to authorities manning border control points.
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