Quarantine violators may be subject to warrantless arrest –PACC

Violators of quarantine measures may be subject to warrantless arrest even without serious resistance, the Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) said Saturday. 

"To enable the authorities (PNP and AFP) to effectively carry out the quarantine measures [...]  violators may be subject to a warrantless arrest, and charged under Art. 151 [...] of the Revised Penal Code, even if there is no serious resistance," the PACC said.

According to PACC, this was by virtue of Republic Act No. 11332, Section 9 which prohibits non-cooperation which is punishable by one to six months of imprisonment and a fine of P20,000 to P50,000.

"Desperate times, call for desperate measures [...] Uncooperative individuals cannot be allowed to have their way, and pose a serious threat to the health of the public," it said.

Meanwhile, under Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code -- the resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person -- individuals can be fined not more than P500.

The PACC said it observed that some individuals were openly violating measures implemented amid the enhanced community quarantine amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat.

"To protect these violators from themselves and to protect public health, as well of those enforcing the quarantine measures, arrests may be affected," it said.

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country climbed to 803. — DVM, GMA News