Cops to monitor internet shops ahead of class opening

Eleazar reminded computer shop owners of the prohibition on the entry of minors to their establishments. (PNA file photo by Robert Oswald Alfiler)

MANILA – The Joint Task Force Covid Shield on Thursday ordered police officers to coordinate with local officials in reminding computer shop owners to comply with quarantine protocols in resuming operations amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.

This came ahead of the opening of classes in public schools through blended learning on October 5.

“We understand that a number of elementary and high school students in the public schools do not have computers, laptops and other gadgets for the opening of classes so there may be some of them who would go to the internet shops for their online classes for the use of computers and to avail internet connections,” said task force commander, Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, in a media statement.

Eleazar reminded computer shop owners of the prohibition on the entry of minors to their establishments.

“Our commanders on the ground should take the lead not only in reminding the internet shop owners that minors should not be allowed to enter in accordance with the guidelines of the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases) but also in making sure that this and other rules are strictly and properly observed,” he added.

Internet shops were among the business establishments which were allowed to operate in September as the government started to ease quarantine restrictions to gradually allow the resumption of business operations and revive the economy amid the pandemic.

The Department of Education, on the other hand, said it will push through with the opening of the classes in public schools next week.

Eleazar said internet shops would likely be a go-to place beginning next week as some students and parents start to comply with school requirements.

He said police commanders should start by accounting all the operating computer shops in their respective Areas of Responsibility (AORs) and start the coordination with the LGUs down to the barangay level to ensure that the guidelines of both the IATF and the LGUs are observed.

He also appealed to the internet shop owners to do their share in ensuring that their establishments are always disinfected and the rules on health safety are strictly and properly observed.

Eleazar also echoed Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Camilo Cascolan’s call for local commanders to find ways to assist students.

“We are all in this together. We should help each other out first by ensuring the protection of students and parents who would possibly go to the computer shops for online classes and second, to help out students if there are opportunities to help them cope with the new normal in the conduct of classes,” said Eleazar.