‘Hard lockdown’ in 4 more Manila areas

The Manila Police District (MPD) has started gearing up for another “hard lockdown” in four areas where there had been a visible increase in the number of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) violators, an official said yesterday.

Commanders of MPD Stations 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 9 have been meeting with their respective officials as early as Monday as Mayor Isko Moreno sets his sights on Tondo, Sta. Cruz, San Andres and Malate, according to Lt. Col. Carlo Magno Manuel, MPD public information chief.

The move comes after Sampaloc was put under a 48-hour lockdown that ended Saturday night.

Manuel confirmed that the station commanders will start meeting with barangay officials in the four areas today and will announce the lockdown as soon as they receive the order from the mayor.

A high-ranking official, who asked not to be named, said they were told that Tondo’s first district will be the first to go under hard lockdown, followed by the second district and the three other areas.

“We are still in the process of completing our preparations and hopefully we are ready when Mayor Moreno gives the go signal,” Manuel said.

As of April 22, Tondo 1 recorded 294 ECQ violators, 81 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 158 suspected cases. Tondo 2 has 930 curfew violators, 57 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 100 suspected cases.

At least 328 ECQ violators were arrested in Sta. Cruz, which has 55 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 44 suspected cases. Malate has recorded 32 confirmed cases, 29 suspected cases, and 43 ECQ violators.

REY GALUPO Jeepney drivers line up to receive food packs from Manila Police District Station 7 personnel led by station commander Lt. Col. Harry Lorenzo III yesterday. More than 30 drivers had gathered along Rizal Avenue to beg for alms from passersby. They were forced to sleep in their vehicles after the government banned mass transport as part of the enhanced community quarantine.