PNP urges public not to fear checkpoints during Metro Manila lockdown

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has appealed to the public not to fear police checkpoints in Metro Manila, which was placed under community quarantine starting Sunday, March 15, to contain the spread of COVID-19.

Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar, PNP deputy chief for operations, stated that policemen are taking risks by being on the frontline and asked the public to respect them while they perform their duties.

The NCRPO will arrest violators of the planned lockdown and is studying filing cases based on violation of the Revised Penal Code aside from the quarantine law.

The PNP has placed its police forces in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and Bicol on full alert beginning Friday, March 13, with vacation leaves canceled and overtime work expected.