Unarmed cops deployed to ensure safe distancing in PUJs

FILE: Traditional jeepneys are now back on the road following the physical distancing protocol effective Friday (July 3, 2020). (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

MANILA – The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Friday deployed unarmed police officers in routes plied by public utility jeepneys (PUJs) that were allowed to convey passengers in Metro Manila beginning Friday.

In a press briefing, NCRPO director, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas said these police officers will help personnel of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) in enforcing health protocols such as the observance of safe physical distancing among the passengers.

“That’s why we have to establish our social distancing patrol. Ang mga pulis po natin doon ay hindi nga namin, pinadalhan ng armas, ang dala lang po yung stick (The police there did not bring firearms, they only brought sticks),” he said.

Sinas added that policemen were also deployed to the stations of the Light Rail Transit (LRT), Metro Rail Transit (MRT), and the Philippine National Railways (PNR).

He, however, clarified that the management of the trains has the sole authority regarding security matters within their stations.

Beginning Friday, a total of 6,002 jeepneys were allowed to ply 49 routes in the National Capital Region with no additional permits necessary under Memorandum Circular 2020-026 released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board on Thursday.

“Considering that PUJs will be plying their existing routes as indicated in Annex ‘A,’ no special permit is necessary prior to their operation,” the memorandum read.

On Monday, the government allowed 980 UV Express units operating in Metro Manila and nearby provinces to resume their services.

These measures are part of the gradual, calibrated and calculated approach of the DOTr) on the resumption of public transportation in Metro Manila amid the general community quarantine.