NCR cops to keep tight watch on outdoor tourist hubs

MANILA – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar on Friday ordered all police personnel in Metro Manila to heighten presence in outdoor tourist attractions amid the Alert Level 4 in the region.

This, as outdoor tourist attractions are allowed to operate at a limited capacity under this alert level which took effect on Thursday.

“The presence of our uniformed personnel in these areas will serve as a reminder for our kababayans to continuously observe the necessary protection for themselves and their companions,” Eleazar said.

In Manila, the Rizal Park already reopened where a maximum of 500 people are allowed to enter, according to the Department of Tourism.

Several areas in Intramuros also resumed operations at shortened hours.
He added that police personnel have been instructed to courteously remind violators to follow the minimum public health standards.
“These new quarantine rules are the balance between containing the spread of the disease and reviving the economy, and eventually will lead us back to normalization. Kaya ang tagumpay ng mga patakarang ito ay nakasalalay din sa compliance ng ating mga kababayan,” the PNP chief said.

Those who are not allowed outside their residences under Alert Level 4 include persons below 18-years-old, those who are over 65 years of age, those with immunodeficiencies, comorbidities, or other health risks, as well as pregnant women.

These individuals will only be allowed to go out to access or obtain essential goods and services, or if it is for work in permitted industries and offices.

Aside from the reopening of outdoor tourist spots, restaurants, and other business establishments have also been allowed to open at a limited capacity.

Eleazar also reminded these businesses to thoroughly check vaccination cards being presented by customers.

Under Alert Level 4, dine-in services in restaurants, religious gatherings, and personal care services limited to barbershops, hair spas, nail spas, and beauty salons are allowed at a limited capacity — 30 percent for outdoor services, regardless of vaccination status and 10 percent for indoor services for fully vaccinated persons only.

Granular lockdown

Meanwhile, the number of areas under granular lockdown as of Thursday has climbed to 59, based on the latest data from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

These include 32 villages under the Quezon City Police District; 13 villages under the Northern Police District (Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas and Valenzuela); 11 villages under the Eastern Police District (Mandaluyong, Marikina, Pasig, San Juan); and three villages under the Southern Police District (Las Piñas, Makati, Muntinlupa, Pasay, Parañaque, Pateros, Taguig).

Meanwhile, no area under the Manila Police District is currently under granular lockdown.

Some 341 police personnel were deployed to secure these areas.