The number of violators of quarantine restrictions in Manila has increased since implementing the strict Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ).
In an interview with dzBB, Monday, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen Guillermo Eleazar said nearly 120,000 violators had been recorded since its implementation in Metro Manila on August 21.
“Ang average po na nahuhuli natin or na-accost natin [ay] 13,000. Meaning to say, 117,000 ‘yung accosted po natin for the past nine days,” said Eleazar.
The fate of those caught violating MECQ rules in recent weeks has been different:
warned (61%)
cited, fined, or ticketed (33%)
brought to the precinct for another violation (5%)
Among the alleged violations involved several KTV bars and resto-bars that continued to operate despite the curfew, including patrons eating in such areas.
On Saturday, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque reported that the MECQ would be extended until September 7 in the National Capital Region (NCR), including the provinces of Bataan and Laguna.
Meanwhile, the MECQ will start at the following locations from Wednesday to next Tuesday:
- Apayao
- Ilocos Norte
- Bulacan
- Cavite
- Lucena City
- Rizal
- Aklan
- Iloilo province
- Iloilo City
- Lapu-Lapu City
- Cebu City
- Mandaue City
- Cagayan de Oro City
13,000 MECQ violators recorded daily in Metro Manila – PNP
In the aforementioned areas, there will be restrictions on dining, personal care services, and religious activities to prevent COVID-19 infection.
Based on PNP data, it appears that 550,940 violators have been recorded, or equivalent to an average of 61,216 per day.
In NCR Plus, which consists of Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite, 369,243 violators have been reported since the return of MECQ. That’s equivalent to 41,027 daily averages.
As many as 1.95 million people have been infected with COVID-19 in the Philippines, according to data from the Department of Health yesterday. Of that number, 33,109 people died.
Meanwhile, the number of new COVID-19 cases per day will likely reach more than 20,000, the OCTA Research Group said this Sunday.
The group had previously announced that the number of new cases per day could hit 20,000, but now they estimate it could be higher.
“‘Di pa naman siguro natin masasabi na aabot ng 25,000. Pero it’s very possible na hihigit 20,000, by a few thousands,” said Dr. Guido David of OCTA.
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