Sinas tells the police: quarantine violators personnel will no longer be arrested

The head of the Philippine National Police (PNP), General Debold Sinas, on Monday ordered all police officers to stop arresting those who violated health and safety laws and regulations, while adopting strict quarantine measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

General Ildebrandi Usana said that Sina also instructed police commanders not to accept quarantine offenders referred or handed over by village security personnel.

“Our chief PNP just wants to warn offenders and remind them that they must comply with the minimum health and safety agreement, but if they repeat the offence, they may be fined to provide community services. Therefore, the instructions are clear and should not exceed the offender.” He said .

Usana explained that it is impractical to arrest or bring charges against quarantine personnel because the offenders must be taken to the police station.

For those who violate the curfew time, the time will be adjusted from 8 pm. Usana said that from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

He added that only violations of conventional laws related to peace and hierarchy and criminal activities should be handled by the police.