Checkpoints set up, quarantine passes to be required again in Metro Manila and four other MECQ areas

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 3) — Quarantine passes will be required once again starting Tuesday in Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal as these areas shift back to modified enhanced community quarantine.

Interior Department Spokesperson Jonathan Malaya confirmed on Monday that quarantine passes are required in ECQ and MECQ areas to limit the people allowed to go out. Only one pass is issued per household so they can purchase food and medicine.

When asked if residents need to obtain new quarantine passes or if they can use the old ones, Malaya said local executives will hold a meeting to decide on this.

However, San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora said his barangay captains will issue new passes.

In line with the implementation of MECQ, the city government of San Juan also adjusted its curfew hours to 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. from the previous 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., and reinstated total liquor ban in the city.

This means selling, purchasing, and consumption of any alcoholic beverage in public places is prohibited again. First-time violators will have to perform community service for eight hours and pay ₱3,000 or be jailed for one month. Second-time violators will face a 16-hour community service, a fine worth ₱4,000 or a three-months jail time.

Meanwhile, in an interview on CNN Philippines, Philippine National Police spokesperson BGen. Bernard Banac said previously issued quarantine passes are still valid. He added that those who will travel to work tomorrow should prepare their company identification cards.

“The PNP is all set for the implementation of the MECQ by midnight tonight," Banac said. "By tomorrow, we expect that checkpoints will be set up again in all borders inside Metro Manila, 'yung mga inter-city and inter-province borders natin."

“The PNP is all set for the implementation of the MECQ by midnight tonight. By tomorrow, we expect that checkpoints will be set up again in all borders inside Metro Manila, 'yung mga inter-city and inter-province borders natin," Banac said.

Joint Task Force COVID Shield Commander Guillermo Eleazar said they will add more checkpoints in these four areas to contain the movement of people. Police officers deployed in checkpoints will inspect quarantine passes of those traveling amid the lockdown.

He added that by midnight of August 4, those who are not listed as authorized to go out will not be allowed to cross the borders of the cities and municipalities to avail of basic goods and services.

President Rodrigo Duterte placed Metro Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal under a two-week modified ECQ from Aug. 4 until August 18, following the appeal of healthcare workers. Other parts of the country are under a more relaxed general community quarantine or modified GCQ.

Under MECQ, any person below 21 years old and those who are 60 and above are required to stay home, except when obtaining essential goods and services, as well as reporting to work in permitted industries. Also prohibited to leave their residences are those with immunodeficiency, comorbidity, or other health risks, and pregnant women.