Cargo movement impeded by LGU policies: PNP

MANILA (UPDATE) - Police warned Wednesday some local governments are impeding the flow of goods due to differing policies under the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.

Under the month-long lockdown, the movement of cargo and goods must be unhampered, government earlier said.

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"Meron pong ibang LGUs na sa kanilang kagustuhan na proteksyunan ang kanilang areas of responsibility ay naglalabas ng ibang policy na minsan ay masyadong mahigpit," said Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, head of Joint Task Force COVID-19 Shield.

"Napakahalaga ang cargo na makarating sa sulok-sulukan ang supplies para wag tayo magkaroon ng food shortage. Minsan hinaharang. Ilang mga barangay gumagawa ng sarili nilang patakaran. 'Yun po ang nagiging problem na araw-araw nating nire-resolve."

All village (barangay) checkpoints must be under police supervision, the PNP said in a memorandum dated Monday, made public on Wednesday.

"All QCPs (quarantine control points) at the barangay level shall be coordinated with the Municipal Joint Task Group and to be supervised by the Unit Commanders," the memorandum read.

The PNP shall likewise orient village officials on the guidelines of government's interagency task force on emerging infectious diseases, according to Justice Undersecretary and spokesperson Markk Perete.
 
The police called on local governments to help keep their residents inside their homes as authorities aim to contain the virus outbreak, which has killed 35 people and infected 517 others, of whom 20 have recovered.

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"Those who stay home are heroes in this battle," Eleazar said.

--With a report from Mike Navallo, ABS-CBN News