DILG urges PNP to maintain vigilance despite crime drop

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to maintain vigilance despite a 61% reduction in crime during the enhanced community quarantine.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año warned that criminals may take advantage of the general community quarantine (GCQ) easing, urging police to tighten checkpoints and conduct more patrols.

PNP director for operations Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Luis Licup said checkpoints will remain but may be random under GCQ, with personnel deployed to establishments like malls to ensure compliance with health protocols.

Joint Task Force Covid Shield commander Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar stated that police visibility would increase in areas where more people are allowed to go out under the new normal.