Gov to enforce stricter quarantine amid rise in violations

The Philippine government will enforce stricter quarantine measures due to a noted increase in violations of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) guidelines.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles announced that President Duterte ordered stricter implementation after observing complacency among Filipinos regarding the lockdown.

As of April 13, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported 108,088 individuals had violated the Luzon-wide ECQ.

The PNP Highway Patrol Group (HPG) will begin inspecting private vehicles starting April 15 to verify if occupants are Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR).

Drivers with unauthorized passengers will receive traffic violation tickets from the Land Transportation Office (LTO) or Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

Nograles urged the public to understand that the ECQ's effectiveness in containing COVID-19 depends on limiting movement.

He emphasized that these measures are for public safety to prevent the virus's spread and appealed for cooperation and adherence to staying home.

The MMDA has provided a list of APOR, which includes essential workers in sectors like healthcare, food services, emergency response, banking, and retail, as well as agribusiness workers and media practitioners.