ALL police units and personnel of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were reminded to strictly follow guidelines in arresting quarantine and health protocol violators.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar issued the reminder after Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra called on law enforcers to observe the protocols when making apprehensions, especially in areas placed under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ).
The PNP Chief assured the public that police personnel will always abide by the rule of law in arresting or apprehending violators.
“I assure you that PNP personnel will abide by the guidelines signed by the DOJ and the DILG (Department of the Interior and Local Government) when it comes to handling incidents of health protocol violations,” PGen Eleazar said.
“The police will also follow those stated in ordinances,” he added.
In June, the DOJ and the DILG signed the internal guidelines for law enforcers and government agencies in handling health protocol violations amid the community quarantine.
The joint memorandum circular made clear the roles of concerned government agencies in managing these cases.
“The PNP will immediately make accountable those who will commit abuses in enforcing the guidelines. It is important that the police will observe maximum tolerance and courtesy in accosting quarantine violators,” the PNP Chief said.
He added, “We also ask for the public’s understanding with regard to our duties in enforcing the law. Let’s help each other to stop the spread of COVID-19.”