DILG receives 2,000 complaints vs local officials over quarantine violations

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has received approximately 2,000 complaints against local officials nationwide for alleged failures in implementing enhanced community quarantine guidelines.

Allegations include not enforcing social distancing, allowing cockfighting, failing to disperse crowds in markets, and issues with relief goods distribution.

In Metro Manila, 29 barangay chairmen have been issued show-cause orders for alleged negligence or laxity in enforcing quarantine protocols, with 48 hours to respond.

If they fail to provide a satisfactory explanation, charges will be filed before the Office of the Ombudsman with endorsement from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año has formed a special team to monitor the actions of barangays nationwide to ensure quarantine rules are followed.

The DILG has also coordinated with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to provide support and protection to barangay officials who are threatened or hurt by defiant groups.

The DILG supports the lawful actions taken by Manila Mayor Isko Moreno regarding the intense lockdown ordered over the Sampaloc area, as he was authorized by the national Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) to implement applicable quarantine policies.