DOJ under lockdown as COVID-19 cases rise

The Department of Justice (DOJ) in Manila is under temporary lockdown due to a rise in COVID-19 cases among its personnel, with 45 active cases as of Friday, March 19.

On that day, 17 new cases were reported within the DOJ's Witness Protection Program, prompting Secretary Menardo Guevarra to consider extending the lockdown beyond the initial period until Tuesday, March 23.

A skeleton staff will handle essential services during this time, while most employees are expected to work from home unless the transmission rate decreases.