No more warnings: PNP to make arrests in 'martial law-type' lockdown - chief

MANILA - The Philippine National Police on Monday said it would forego warnings and directly arrest citizens who violate quarantine measures should government implement a "martial law-type" approach.

The military on Sunday confirmed a leaked internal memo directing the Philippine Air Force to prepare following President Rodrigo Duterte's pronouncement of the police and military's "martial law-type" role in the strict enforcement of quarantine measures.

• Air Force prepares for Duterte's 'martial law-type role' directive for military, police during lockdown
• Duterte warns martial law-like lockdown over COVID-19 quarantine violations

"Pag sinabing martial law siguro the President would like to emphasize that we would really make some arrests," PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa told radio DZMM.

"Siguro dapat magpakita ang publiko na magbehave sila para hindi ito matuloy. Kung ito matutuloy it will be the full implementation of the law. Wala na tayong warning, diretso na tayo sa aresto."

Authorities have given warnings to some 96,000 out of 130,000 apprehended quarantine violators, Gamboa said.

They earlier deferred making arrests and have fined violators instead to not congest detainment facilities.

• Authorities to continue arrest of curfew violators, e-inquest launched: task force

The PNP chief, however, said he has asked Metro Manila Police chief Brig. Gen. Debold Sinas to prepare facilities for arrested persons should a "martial law type" implementation of quarantine measures be ordered by the President.

The PNP has also identified areas in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, and Calabarzon which need additional deployment of personnel, he added.