DOJ: PNP must supervise barangay checkpoints

The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that all barangay checkpoints must be supervised by the Philippine National Police (PNP), as directed by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete stated that PNP supervision is mandatory for barangay checkpoints, emphasizing "No PNP, no barangay checkpoints."

The PNP is also tasked with orienting barangay officials on the IATF guidelines.

The DOJ defended this decision, citing the need for uniform application of rules and to prevent different barangays or LGUs from implementing their own conflicting regulations.

This supervision ensures that quarantine rules are strictly followed to arrest the transmission of the virus while allowing movement for essential services like food security and utilities.