PRESIDING over his first command conference last Saturday, National Police Chief General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar outlined police’s role in government’s response against the pandemic.
During the meeting, held a day after he assumed command of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Eleazar and the police commanders discussed the preparation of detention facilities in anticipation of more arrests following President Duterte’s order to take into police custody persons not wearing face masks in public places or those who wear them improperly.
“One of the concerns that need to be addressed is the availability of our detention cells,” Eleazar reportedly told the commanders. “Alam naman natin na bago pa ang direktibang ito ng ating Pangulo, may mga pagkakataong kinukulang na talaga ang ating mga pasilidad kung kaya’t dapat natin itong paghandaan. [We already know that even before the President’s directive, our facilities already lack the capacity; so we must prepare for it.]”
“Makipagtulungan tayo sa mga lokal na opisyal, kasama ang barangay, para malaman natin kung aling mga lugar sa bawat komunidad ang maaari nating gamiting detention facilities para sa mga sadyang pasaway, [Let’s work with local officials, including the barangay, to find out which areas in each community we can use detention facilities for intentional violators,]” he added.
Eleazar also noted the protocol in detention areas.
“Mababalewala ang paghuli sa kanila kung walang social distancing sa ating mga detention areas, [Arresting them would be for naught if social distancing in our detention areas is not observed.]”
He reminded police officials of the order of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año that persons arrested for violation of minimum public health safety standards can only be held for a maximum of 12 hours unless charges are filed against them.
Eleazar reminded police officers to observe maximum tolerance in arresting violators and warned them against abusive behavior.
During the command conference with senior police officials, including heads of police regional offices and national support and service units, Eleazar also issued his guidance on his administration’s direction on peace and order.
The new police chief also directed all units to strictly implement the intensified cleanliness policy, which ensures continuity of reforms in the organization and the bridging of gaps for closer ties with the community.
Eleazar also shared and exchanged ideas with the police commanders nationwide on how they could further strengthen the campaign against street crimes, illegal drugs, insurgency and terrorism.