DILG warns of arrest for ECQ violations

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año warned that violating enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) rules is breaking the law and could lead to fines or arrest.

Año highlighted the absurdity of continued defiance despite existing directives and sanctions under the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act and resolutions from the Inter-agency Task Force.

Reports indicate individuals are deliberately leaving their homes to travel, leading to them being stranded at checkpoints for not being Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR).

The DILG chief instructed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to enhance vigilance at checkpoints, while still respecting human rights.

Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar advised police officers to issue Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVRs) or citation tickets to violators instead of merely cautioning them.

Violators may face criminal charges under Republic Act 11469, the Bayanihan To Heal As One Act, and Presidential Proclamation 922.

In one instance, a barangay chairman was asked to explain violations in his area, which included groups of people seen on the street and individuals seen flying kites.

A homeless family in Quezon City, facing poverty, admitted to being arrested multiple times for staying on the streets during curfew hours.