Gov't assures legal actions vs those exploiting crisis

The Philippine government assures the public that it will uphold the law while urging citizens not to escalate the COVID-19 crisis into a peace and order problem.

Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles emphasized that the government will act legally and appropriately to maintain order during the enhanced community quarantine.

President Duterte had previously ordered the police, military, and barangay officials to use lethal force against those causing trouble or violence, particularly during the distribution of aid.

This directive came after an incident where 20 protesters in Quezon City were arrested for demanding food aid amidst the Luzon-wide quarantine.

Nograles appealed for public cooperation, stating that the primary focus should remain on combating COVID-19 and avoiding unnecessary complications.

The President's main concern is to ensure order during the state of calamity and prevent anyone from exploiting the situation.

Duterte specifically warned the Left and groups like Kadamay against encouraging people to break the law, stating there would be no mercy for such actions.

He stressed that the distribution of essential goods would not proceed if chaos and disorder prevailed.