PSO adopts corrective approach in MECQ protocol enforcement

By Jason B. Neola

The Public Safety Office (PSO) of Naga City will continue to strictly implement the protocols under the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) but its personnel are ordered to observe humanitarian considerations in their implementation.

This was stressed by PSO chief Renee Gumba who said PSO enforcers should be more compassionate towards individuals who violate the protocols in view of the ill-effects of the pandemic on everyone.

“When one uses his face mask in improper way, issuing him outright a citation ticket couldn’t be the appropriate action. The more acceptable way is to remind first the person to cover his mouth and nose then warned him not to be careless about it next time. A ticket for such violation follows,” Gumba said.

Alongside the PSO in the enforcement of health protocols are personnel from the Philippine National Police and force multipliers from different sectors.

He said the spirit behind the protocol enforcement is not only about issuing tickets to violators but getting closer to the people by bring to them the message that everyone should be helpful and cooperative in the achievement of the common goal of limiting the transmission of Covid-19.

Gumba admitted that they were tough in approaching protocol violators and issuing tickets against them in the early days of MECQ implementation. “But this time it [issuing tickets] is being done with a sort of an appeal first that everyone should care about the campaign against Covid-19,” he said.

The enforcement of MECQ protocols is being spearheaded by the Naga City Police Office with Col. Marlon Catan as head of the Security and Enforcement Task Force and Lt. Col. Errol Garchitorena as ground commander.