Manila Bulletin
Palace: Total lockdown 'fake news' but police preparing to implement stricter measures
President Rodrigo Duterte warned that the military and police might be ordered to enforce enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) measures if the public continues to disobey regulations.
He directed the police and military to be ready to oversee the implementation of the Luzon-wide ECQ, stating that the situation requires strict enforcement similar to martial law for public safety.
Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles clarified that Duterte's statement about "martial law"-type enforcement means he has the option to tap all armed forces to ensure order, and that the President merely wants a "stricter" implementation of the ECQ.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo stated that the military is ready to enforce the "martial law-like lockdown" if directed.
Arevalo emphasized the need to stop infractions, stating that failing to do so would have serious repercussions on the spread of the virus.
Duterte expressed frustration over reported quarantine violations during the ECQ period.
The President acknowledged that the ECQ is a difficult but necessary measure to contain the spread of COVID-19.
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Malacañang clarified that President Duterte has not yet issued a formal order to deploy the military to enforce the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) regulations.
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The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is preparing its troops for a stricter enforcement of quarantine for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
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Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año announced that the DILG is ready for stricter implementation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
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Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles clarified that President Duterte's threat of a military takeover to enforce the enhanced community quarantine was merely a warning to deter violators and stubborn individuals.
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Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. clarified President Duterte's warning about martial law, stating it was a call for public discipline in adhering to enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) rules to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
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