PNP braces for Delta variant
The government included Indonesia in the list of countries with strict travel restrictions
National police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar has directed lawmen to further strengthen measures against Covid-19's highly-transmissible Delta variant, ordering tighter border security and preparations for a worst-case scenario.
Eleazar ordered police units in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi to intensify intelligence monitoring and conduct regular patrols on the shores to prevent the illegal entry of people from neighboring countries.
“Apart from our local police, I also ordered the commanders, particularly the Maritime Group, to strengthen border control for those entering from Indonesia and Malaysia,” he said.
Last week, the government included Indonesia in the list of countries with strict travel restrictions amid the threat of the Delta variant.
The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia share sea borders which are known to be used for smuggling activities and illegal entry.
Local police units in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, as well as the Maritime Group, were also tasked to coordinate with local government units, the Armed Forces, and the Coast Guard, in order to come up with measures to "seal" the so-called southern backdoor.
Meanwhile, Eleazar also ordered the PNP Administrative Support for Covid-19 Task Force (ASCOTF) to prepare for the worst, as a handful of Delta variant cases have already been confirmed in the country.
Lt. Gen. Joselito Vera Cruz, PNP deputy chief for administration and concurrent ASCOTF commander, was tasked to prepare medical and quarantine facilities.
Last March, medical and quarantine facilities for lawmen at Camp Crame were filled to the brim due to a sudden increase of those infected by the coronavirus.
That prompted Eleazar, then ASCOTF commander, and former PNP chief Debold Sinas to look for more buildings and facilities that can be used as quarantine facilities.
Meanwhile, Eleazar said he directed Lt. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson, PNP deputy chief for operations and Joint Task Force-Covid Shield commander, to enhance coordination with local governments, especially in implementing guidelines aimed at protecting communities from the Delta variant.
Apart from our local police, I also ordered the commanders, particularly the Maritime Group, to strengthen border control for those entering from Indonesia and Malaysia.
Eleazar, however, noted that the public's cooperation, especially in observing health protocols, remains the key to preventing a spread of Covid-19, Delta variant or not.