Alleged memo on MECQ in Metro Manila is fake, says NCRPO

The alleged memo circulating in social media implying that Metro Manila will be placed under modified enhanced community quarantine is fake, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) said on Sunday.

Interviewed  on Dobol B sa News TV, NCRPO acting director Police Brigadier General Vicente Danao pointed out that only the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) can decide on the quarantine classification of a place.

“Actually, it is an unsigned memo. So, definitely it is not an official document. It is only the IATF ang nag-a-announce niyan,” Danao said.

“Kung meron po tayong sasabihin, it is just a recommendation from our part. Definitely po, 'yung lumalabas na memo is a fake news,” he added.

The alleged memo from NCRPO called for a “covert deployment” for the implementation of supposed MECQ in the region. Metro Manila is currently under general community quarantine until Dec. 31.

Danao however said the NCRPO is indeed deploying more police forces in concerned areas to enforce health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Aside from this, he said the additional deployment is also to step up security to prevent criminality and terrorism.

“Medyo naghigpit tayo ng kaunti sa ating GCQ o sa ating health protocol implementation,” Danao said.

“Hindi lang po health protocol ang atin pong ini-implement diyan kundi most of the anti-criminality and especially sa anti-terrorism,” he added.

On Saturday, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana denied rumors that Metro Manila would be placed under MECQ.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Cesar Hawthorne Binag also said there is no truth to such rumors.

Año on Saturday said checkpoints have been placed in strategic areas to check if people are complying with the minimum health protocols such as wearing face shield and face mask.

The Interior secretary also said this is in preparation for the upcoming anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 26.

The OCTA Research has been warning of a surge in COVID-19 cases as the number of infections has been rising in the region. —KG, GMA News