Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, urged the police personnel to be “careful in word and deed” in dealing with parents whose children violate health safety protocols amid the threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
This, after the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) issued Resolution 125 children aged five and above to enjoy outdoor activities in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ) and modified GCQ (MGCQ).
“With this development, inaatasan ko ang lahat ng kapulisan na hindi lamang maging ehemplo sa pagsunod ng mga alintuntunin laban sa Covid-19 kung hindi maging maingat sa pananalita at sa gawa sa mga magulang at iba pang taong may kasamang bata na lalabag sa health safety protocol (I urge our police not only to set an example in following the rules against Covid-19 but also to be careful in word and deed to parents and other persons with children who violate the health safety protocols),” said Eleazar in a statement on Saturday.
Eleazar said those who will violate his instruction will be held accountable to him.
“Sa murang kaisipan ng mga bata ay ipakita na natin kung ano tunay na kahulugan ng pulis- tapat, magalang at may integridad. Ang sinumang lalabag ay mananagot sa akin (In the young minds of children, let us show what the true meaning of police is- honest, polite, and with integrity,” he said.
He also advised parents to remain extra cautious in going outside with their children, reminding them that kids aged five and above are still prohibited inside malls and similar establishments.
“Paalala lang natin sa mga magulang na hindi lahat ng lugar ay pupuwede na ang mga bata (Let me remind our parents that not all places are accessible to children),” he said.
The IATF-EID Resolution 125 issued on Thursday said children in areas under GCO and MGCQ can only go to outdoor areas such as parks, playgrounds, beaches, biking, and hiking trails, outdoor tourist sites and attractions as may be defined by the Department of Tourism, including on outdoor non-contact sports courts and venues, and al-fresco dining establishments.
Mixed-use indoor or outdoor buildings and facilities like malls and similar establishments are not included in the allowed outdoor areas for children, the resolution states.
Areas under GCQ “with heightened restrictions” are likewise not covered by the latest IATF-EID policy.
Eleazar said parents could be sanctioned if they do not abide by the latest IATF-EID policy.
The government has restricted the public movement when the country was hit by Covid-19 last year.
Areas still under GCQ “with heightened restrictions” are Laguna and Cavite, while Metro Manila, Rizal, and Bulacan are under GCQ “with some restrictions” until July 15.
Other areas under regular GCQ status until July 31 include Baguio City, City of Santiago, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Batangas, Quezon, Guimaras, Aklan, Bacolod City, Negros Occidental, Antique, Capiz, Zamboanga Sibugay, City of Zamboanga, Iligan City, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Cotabato, South Cotabato, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Norte, Agusan del Sur, and Cotabato City. (PNA)
