THE police commanders of the Philippine National Police were told to closely coordinate with local chief executives on the vaccination systems and processes in their localities.
This was the directive issued by PNP Chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar in order to prevent overcrowding, potential super spreader events, in vaccination centers across Metro Manila.
On the eve of the imposition of the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) on the National Capital Region (NCR), large crowds were seen crowding the vaccination centers without regard for social distancing and other minimum public health safety standards. Vaccination activities were cancelled in some jab centers due to the huge turnout of walk-ins who tried their luck at getting COVID-19 vaccines.
“Mahalagang malaman ng ating kapulisan ang sistema at paraan ng bakunahan sa bawat lugar para makapaghanda ng sapat na bilang ng personnel na magbabantay dito,” PGen Eleazar said.
Further, he directed all police regional offices to create a platoon or company-size quick reaction force that would be placed on standby to respond to overcrowding at the vaccination centers.
The quick reaction units should be ready for deployment on short notice and coordinate with the LGUs on the possible cancellation of vaccination activities in case the the crowd becomes impossible to control.
On Thursday, August 5, people flocked to vaccination areas when they received false information that unvaccinated persons would no longer be allowed to go out and would not get government assistance.
“Huwag tayong basta-basta maniwala sa fake news. Walang katotohanan na hindi papayagang lumabas kapag hindi bakunado. Hindi ito basehan kung papayagang lumabas ang isang indibidwal ngayong ECQ,” Eleazar said.