PNP deploys new batch of cops for ECQ duty in Metro Manila

The deployment of the cops will be divided into the five districts covered by the NCRPO — Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Southern Police District, and Eastern Police District. (PNA File photo by Oliver Marquez)

MANILA – A total of 294 cops from the Reactionary Standby Support Force (RSSF) in Camp Crame were deployed in Metro Manila on Monday to assist in the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, said the police officers from the national headquarters are all in good physical and mental condition and prepared to augment the NCRPO’s mobile force battalion.

“These 294-strong members of the RSSF from the NHQ will aid our deployment of personnel from the District Mobile Force Battalion to different QCPs (quarantine control points) region-wide. Our men have been deployed for 48 days straight already. We need to replace them and give them some rest,” Sinas said in a statement.

A turnover ceremony for the police officers was held at the grandstand of the NCRPO headquarters in Camp Bagong Diwa, Taguig City on Sunday.

Col. Bernard Yang, acting NCRPO chief of the Regional Operations Division of NCRPO, led the turnover ceremony of police officers from the Philippine National Police national headquarters to the Regional Mobile Force Battalion represented by its commander, Col. Raul Tacaca.

The deployment of the cops will be divided into the five districts covered by the NCRPO — Manila Police District, Quezon City Police District, Northern Police District, Southern Police District, and Eastern Police District.

Sinas said more security forces in Metro Manila would be deployed following the government’s decision to extend the enhanced community quarantine in the NCR and other high-risk areas until May 15.

He added that he plans to meet with the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police’s Special Action Force to ask for assistance for additional deployment of security forces.

“Hence, as always, we plead cooperation from the people of the Metro to please stay at home to make our common sacrifices worthwhile,” Sinas added.