Baguio police to file charges vs ECQ violators

The Baguio City Police Office (BCPO) will file criminal charges against Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) violators for breaching Republic Act 11469, also known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, Republic Act 11332, and Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.

BCPO Director Police Colonel Allen Rae Co announced that offenders will face outright arrest and imprisonment, with criminal records reflected in their police and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) records upon the lifting of the ECQ.

This action follows a memorandum issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) Directorate for Operations, ordering the immediate arrest and imprisonment of ECQ violators, in line with directives from PNP Chief Archie Gamboa and Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

The police have shifted from a lenient approach to stricter enforcement to protect the public, as the number of daily violators has not decreased.

Mayor Magalong also ordered the lockdown of Barangay Balsigan due to ECQ violations, while the lockdown on Scout Barrio barangay was lifted after contact tracing for a COVID-19 positive street sweeper was completed.