MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday directed all police units to closely monitor the reopening of some tourist sites and other leisure spots in Metro Manila and the provinces of Cavite, Bulacan, Rizal, and Laguna.
The said areas have been placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions from May 15 to 31.
Eleazar noted that over the weekend, some people have started visiting outdoor tourist attractions in GCQ areas, which were allowed to operate at 30 percent capacity.
Some areas in Intramuros, Manila, such as the Fort Santiago and the Baluarte de San Diego, have also opened their doors to visitors on Monday.
While Eleazar understands the excitement of most Filipinos over being able to finally go outdoors for leisure, he stressed the need to still take the necessary precautions against COVID-19 to prevent transmission.
“Inaasahan na namin ang pagdami ng mga taong magsisilabasan dahil nga nagkaroon ng adjustments sa allowed capacity rates ng ating business establishments at leisure areas. Ito ay amin nang napaghandaan at mahigpit na babantayan,” he said in a statement.
“Bagamat naiintindihan po namin na sabik na lumabas ng kani-kanilang mga bahay ang ating mga kababayan, gusto lang po naming magbigay ng paalala na posibleng mas tumagal pa tayo sa ganitong sitwasyon kung tayo ay lalabag sa IATF guidelines at hindi susunod sa minimum health safety protocols,” he added.
The PNP chief reminded police units to be on the lookout for violations of minimum public health safety protocols and to coordinate closely with local government units in securing tourist attractions and leisure spots.
He also urged the public to limit their movement to essential travels.
“We ask our kababayan within the NCR Plus to restrict their travel within the Bubble. At para naman doon sa mga nasa labas ng Bubble, huwag na po nating pilitin na pumasok pa unless essential travel po ang inyong lakad,” he said.
“Kung hindi po talaga natin maiiwasan ang paglabas, remember to always wear your face masks and face shields and observe physical distancing.”
He also reminded the management of businesses allowed to operate, including tourist spots and leisure areas, to strictly abide by the IATF guidelines on capacity rates and impose minimum health safety protocols on their patrons.
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