3,000 soldiers deployed to help enforce NCR quarantine

Around 3,000 soldiers from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) are assisting the Philippine National Police (PNP) in enforcing the community quarantine in Metro Manila.

The military's role focuses on border control points, while the NCRPO handles internal enforcement.

Despite initial assurances of smooth implementation, concerns were raised on the first day including lack of working thermal scanners in some checkpoints and inconsistent rule enforcement.

Military spokesperson 1st Lieutenant Arrianne Bicharra stated that medical personnel were supposed to be assisting soldiers and police in temperature checks.

Exemptions from the travel restrictions include health workers, authorized government officials, and those with essential reasons and proof of employment in Metro Manila.

She clarified that soldiers have different taskings, with some designated to check temperatures alongside health practitioners, while police verify identification.

Despite the ground concerns, Bicharra reported that the first day of the quarantine went smoothly and appealed for public cooperation.

The JTF-NCR assured that preventive measures instituted by the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases are being implemented.