More than 2,000 individuals were arrested in the region for violating curfew, liquor ban, cockfighting and gambling since the implementation of the community quarantine in March.
Brig. Gen. Filmore Escobal, director of the Police Regional Office XI, said during the PIA virtual presser on Wednesday afternoon that the most common violation is curfew and disobedience to persons in authority.
For instance, there are 1,845 individuals arrested for curfew violation and 291 for disobedience.
“We expect more violators, especially on areas where the density of the COVID-19 infection is high,” Escobal said.
Meanwhile, 23 suspects were arrested for cases of hoarding and profiteering on medical supplies amounting to P458,324.
“We are warning the persons involved in this activity, let us not abuse our business because the police are determined to implement the laws especially now that public health is at stake in this time of crisis,” he said.
Other violations committed during the quarantine period include possession of illegal drugs, where 117 arrests were made and P5,349,073 worth of shabu confiscated.
Escobal also revealed 50 persons were arrested for illegal cockfighting and 87 for betting on cards. Police confiscated the total bet amount of P70, 972 from the suspects. Finally, they ticketed 218 liquor ban violators.
“We are warning them that at this time of crisis, let us follow our authorities so that we will not add to the problem in the spreading of the virus to the communities,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Davao City Police Office assured that no resident in lockdown barangays can go out as the quarantine period goes on.
Capt. Rosario Aguilar, DCPO spokesperson, said on Wednesday’s virtual presser that 50 police personnel are being supported by neighborhood watchmen and the Task Force Davao to control movement.
Aguilar said the city has recorded 1,283 community quarantine and enhanced community quarantine violators. The violations range from abuse of the food and medicine pass, curfew, liquor ban and social distancing.
“We filed a total of 429 cases for these violations,” Aguilar said.
