PNP, AFP in NCR want ‘absolute blockade’ of Metro Manila

The police and military in Metro Manila have recommended an "absolute blockade" of the National Capital Region a day after President Rodrigo Duterte announced a "community quarantine" to stop the spread of COVID-19.

According to a series of tweets by GMA News' Raffy Tima, the National Capital Region Police Office, the NCR Joint Task Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the chiefs of police in Metro Manila so recommended after a day-long meeting.

Their proposal included a ban on public transport but indicated that they were open to exemptions.

The plan is up for the approval by the leadership of the Philippine National Police.

"Ang plan namin is the absolute blockade or kuwan muna. Kung sabi nila exempted, exempted, hindi puwede 'yung plan mo, then we will adopt their plan," Sinas said in a report on "State of the Nation with Jessica Soho."

"Pag sinabi nila, checkpoint lang, 'di checkpoint lang kami," he added.

After a day long meeting, the NCRPO leadership together w/ the chiefs of police of Metro Manila and the NCR Joint Task Force of the AFP has recommended an absolute blockade of Metro Manila including a ban on public transport but says they are open to exemptions. pic.twitter.com/4CuWH3DIWY

— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) March 13, 2020

The officials have also identified specific entrance and exit points in the southern, nothern and eastern portions of Metro Manila "including portions of Manila Bay for sea traffic."

They have also identified specific entrance and exit points in the southern, northern and eastern part of Metro Manila including portions of Manila Bay for sea traffic. They have submitted the plan to the PNP Headquarters for approval and are awaiting for the approved protocol.

— Raffy Tima (@raffytima) March 13, 2020

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday night said workers from outside Metro Manila will be allowed into the region despite the implementation of the community quarantine.

Año said the employees from nearby provinces will have to show their IDs indicating their respective work places in Metro Manila.

"Lilinawin ko lang na kasama sa papayagan ang mga nagtatarabaho na pumasok provided na may ID may pagpapatunay na ang work nila ay dito sa Manila," Año said in a radio interview.

"Supposedly sana gagayahin yung sa ibang bansa na total lockdown. We have to consider nagtatarabaho sa labas ng Metro Manila," he added.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez also on Thursday night said the movement of goods to and from Metro Manila will not be affected by the quarantine.

“Cargoes, food and non-food okay to move,” Lopez told GMA News Online. —NB, GMA News