Police Lt. General Guillermo Eleazar, Deputy Director for Administration, and currently the Joint Task Force (JTF) Covid Shield commander has confirmed the relief of Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Caramoan, the Ermita Police Station 5 chief of the Manila Police District (MPD).
This after Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Camilo Cascolan has ordered the relief of Caramoan for failing to control the huge crown that gathered for the opening of the artificial white sand beach of Manila Bay on Sunday, September 20, 2020
Eleazar said Caramoan could have strictly implemented security and health safety measures with proper planning, monitoring and close coordination with the local government unit.
Here is the JTF COVID Shield official statement following the relief of Caramoan:
“The Joint Task Force COVID Shield expresses its deep appreciation to the Chief PNP, Police General Camilo Pancratius Cascolan, for his immediate action in relieving the Station Commander of the Ermita Police Station of the Manila Police District.
As the immediate Area Commander, Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Caramoan should have taken the initiative in planning and implementing strict security and health safety measures for the opening of the cleaned and beautified portion of the Manila Bay, popularly known as the Manila Bay White Sand Baywalk, to the public.
PLt. Col. Caramoan could have prevented the quarantine protocol violations at the Manila Bay if there was prior planning and regular monitoring of the situation in the area.
Clearly, he also failed to comply with the JTF COVID Shield order which was coordinated with the Chief, PNP for all police commanders to monitor and immediately take action on violations of the quarantine protocols that are going viral in the social media.
PLt. Col. Caramoan will be replaced by Police Lieutenant Colonel Alex Daniel as Officer-In-Charge, MPD Station 5.
On the other hand, the JTF COVID Shield calls on the people who plans to visit the Manila Bay to observe utmost discipline and be mindful of their own safety amid the threat of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19).
“Clearly, he also failed to comply with the JTF Covid Shield order that was coordinated with the chief PNP for all police commanders to monitor and immediately take action on violations of the quarantine protocols that are going viral in the social media,” Eleazar said in a statement.
Caramoan will be replaced by Lieutenant Colonel Alex Daniel as officer-in-charge.
Eleazar urged the people who intend to visit the Manila Bay to strictly observe physical distancing and comply with health safety measures amid the threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).”
Hundreds flocked to the area filled with dolomite sand to resemble a white sand beach when it was opened to the public on Saturday, September 19. A bigger crowd was observed Sunday.
Photo credit: Manila Police District