THE Philippine National Police (PNP) will remain vigilant in spite of the downgrading of the National Capital Region (NCR) from Alert Level 4 to Alert Level 3 starting October 16.
Thus, PNP Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar ordered on Thursday, October 14, all of the PNP’s unit commanders in Metro Manila to study very well the guidelines under Alert Level 3 in Metro Manila for its proper implementation.
The PNP chief issued the order after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID) approved the recommendation to downgrade the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) alert in the National Capital Region to Level 3.
“I have instructed all police unit commanders in Metro Manila to immediately cascade to their men on the field the guidelines for the imposition of Alert Level 3 to avoid any confusion in enforcement from October 16 to 31,” said PGen Eleazar.
“Other units outside the National Capital Region (NCR) would have to make the necessary adjustments depending on the community quarantine classification,” he added.
Under Alert Level 3, several establishments can operate at 30 percent indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.
Meanwhile, unapproved face to face classes for basic education; contact sports except bubble-type setup; fun fairs; kid amusement industries; and venues with live voice or wind-instrument performers such as karaoke, clubs, concert halls and theaters remain prohibited.
Casinos, horse racing, cockfighting, lottery, betting shops and other gaming establishments except those approved by the government are also prohibited from operating as well as gatherings in residences with individuals not belonging to the same household.
“What will not change is that the police will continue to ensure the strict enforcement of minimum public health standards on safety. The PNP will continue to coordinate with LGUs for the effective implementation of the guidelines,” said PGen Eleazar.
He also urged the public not to be complacent amid the decision of the IATF and the decrease in the number of coronavirus infection in the country.
“We want to remind the public that even if the Alert Level was downgraded with less strict implementation of guidelines, it doesn’t mean we should be over-confident. The threat of COVID-19 remains that’s why we should still follow the guidelines, which were developed for our own protection against the coronavirus,” said PGen Eleazar.