LGUs, cops now enforcing restrictions on unvaccinated people under Alert Level 3 — DILG spox

Local government units and the police have started enforcing restrictions on unvaccinated people under Alert Level 3, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Friday.

In a statement, DILG spokesperson Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said this is in compliance with the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“The DILG and the Philippine National Police have begun implementing the measures directed by the President to contain the spread of COVID-19 in the country especially in Alert Level 3 areas,” he said.

Motorists and commuters were advised to show proof of vaccination when entering PNP checkpoints, malls, and other public places, including when taking public transportation.

The checkpoints that have been set up at borders of the National Capital Region and Bulacan were based on the ordinances passed by local government units restricting the mobility of the unvaccinated people.

Like in Quezon City, Malaya said its city government passed Ordinance 3076 on January 4, 2022 which requires all unvaccinated individuals to remain in their homes.

Earlier, the Metro Manila Council, composed of the 17 mayors in the region, passed a resolution stating that unvaccinated people should stay at home unless accessing essential goods and services under Alert Level 3.

Asked how barangay governments will enforce the restrictions on unvaccinated as ordered by Duterte, Malaya told GMA News Online that the instructions on setting up checkpoints may also apply on the barangay level.

“Ah para yung sa checkpoints (That’s for the checkpoints). But that also applies in a way to the Barangay captains. The Presidents directive and the LGU ordinances are duty bound to be implemented by the PNP and the barangays,” he added.

On Tuesday, President Rodrigo Duterte also ordered barangay officials to direct persons yet to be vaccinated against COVID-19 to stay at home amid the increase in COVID-19 cases.

“If he refuses, if he goes out of the house and goes around  the community or wherever magpunta, he can be restrained. If he refuses, the barangay captain being a person of authority have the power to arrest," Duterte said.

The government earlier placed Metro Manila under Alert Level 3 from January 3 to 15;  Bulacan, Cavite, and Rizal from January 5 to 15, 2022; and Laguna from January 7 to January 15, 2022 , amid the increase in COVID-19 cases.

On Thursday, 14 additional cities and provinces have been placed under Alert Level 3 effective from January 9 to 15, which include the following:

• Dagupan
• City of Santiago
• Cagayan
• Olongapo City
• Angeles City
• Bataan
• Pampanga
• Zambales
• Naga City
• Iloilo City
• Lapu-lapu City
• Batangas
• Lucena City
• Baguio City

— RSJ, GMA News