Guevarra assures Metro Manila quarantine not martial law

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra assured the public that the community quarantine in Metro Manila is not a state of martial law, but a necessary measure to combat the spread of COVID-19.

The quarantine, announced by President Duterte, lasts from March 15 to April 14 following the Department of Health's Code Red Sublevel 2 alert due to rising cases and deaths from the virus.

Guevarra emphasized that the PNP and AFP will enforce the quarantine to protect citizens, urging public cooperation to overcome the public health emergency.

He clarified that no arrests will be made unless laws or ordinances are violated, and that law enforcement will only physically prevent movement at checkpoints unless there are exceptions or highly justifiable reasons.

Guevarra warned that if individuals assault, slander, or bribe law enforcement agents, they can be subject to warrantless arrests.