JTF COVID Shield chief warns cops against yantok abuse

Joint Task Force COVID Shield chief Police Lieutenant General Cesar Hawthorne Binag warned on Wednesday that police officers who abuse the use of yantok (rattan sticks) in enforcing quarantine protocols will face penalties.

PNP Chief Gen. Debold Sinas reiterated on Tuesday that yantok would only be used for ensuring social distancing and subduing violent offenders resisting arrest, not to harm anyone.

Sinas explained that without rattan sticks, police officers would have direct contact with apprehended individuals, which is discouraged during the pandemic.