The cities of Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela (Camanava) have passed ordinances imposing curfew from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. and also penalizing violators while Metro Manila is under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to contain the spread of COVID-19.
It approved in compliance with the Metro Manila Council urging all legislative councils to impose curfew and temporarily shut down malls during the quarantine period, which started on March 15 until April 14. But might be extended to April 30.
As for the groceries, banks, pharmacies and hospitals, they are allowed to operate in Metro Manila.
Caloocan
Mayor Oscar Malapitan suspended the operations of gambling, off-track betting stations, malls, e-bingo and e-games, KTVs, spa services and computer shops. For violators, they will be fined up to P5,000 depending on number of offenses.
Among those who are exempted are:
- the curfew are workers
- persons delivering food, medicine and other household essentials
- drivers of public transport services
- persons in emergency situations.
Malabon
A fine of P500 up to P2,000 depending on the number of offense is imposed on violators. while those who are exempted are:
- persons working night shift
- persons delivering or purchasing basic necessities such as food and medicine, drivers of public utility vehicles
- peace and order personnel from the city hall and barangays
- others that needs medical and other emergencies
Navotas
Bars, restaurants and pubs are ordered closed during curfew hours in Navotas. As for the violators, they will be fined P1,000 to P5,000. While the persons who are exempted from the curfew are
- persons traveling for medical and humanitarian reasons
- those traveling to the airport with pre-booked flights
- persons providing basic services and public utilities
- persons going to and from work; traders at the Navotas fish port
- persons involved in the trade and delivery of raw materials and food products
- persons transporting items for anti-COVID measures
- health workers in official functions
- members of emergency response teams, peace and order personnel, hospital staff and the local government’s skeletal workforce.
Valenzuela
A fine of P5,000 is imposed on violators and those who are exempted are:
- persons authorized to provide essential needs
- elected and appointed barangay officials, workers, persons providing basic services such as drivers of public utility vehicles and health workers, government officials, persons delivering basic commodities
- those traveling abroad with pre-booked flights
- local government employees who comprise the skeletal work force or the frontliners.
Only Malabon and Valenzuela cities were placed under a state of calamity to enable the speedily release of funds for the public health crisis.
While, the cities of Mandaluyong, Muntinlupa and Parañaque have declared a state of calamity over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Checkpoints
Jojo Garcia, general manager of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), said that in order to “limit the virus, we need to limit the movement of people.”
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said there would be “exemptions” on who would be covered by the curfew, which would largely be based on whether a person was involved in an “essential” or a “nonessential” activity.
“If you come from reporting to work, or if you need to buy food and medicines, you’re exempted. We’re really after essentials only. The bottom line is people are advised to stay home,” he said.
Medical Supplies
As for the medical supplies, Malacañang called on the Bureau of Customs (BOC) to release the medical supplies that are reportedly kept at the Manila International Container Port (MICP).
Customs Assistant Commissioner Vincent Philip Maronilla said, they released yesterday two 40-footer shipping containers of medical supplies and personal protective equipment donated to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.
Reports said the shipment arrived at the MICP last month. Maronilla said the release of the shipment was delayed because the BOC was only notified on Friday.
Events, Voter Registration
All events and planned activities will be suspended. Even the voter registration. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) suspended the voter registration nationwide and the operations of its field offices due to the threat of COVID-19. Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said operations in local offices of the poll body are suspended until April 14 but may extend due to the extension of the enhanced community quarantine.
Sources: philstar.com, inquirer.net
Photo Sources: FB-LenLenOreta, FB-BagongSilang176CaloocanCity, FB-ValenzuelaCityGov, FB-navotenoako
