Vax cards to serve as 'passports' to NCR, adjacent provinces under Alert Level 3

January 7 ------ Vaccination cards will serve as the passport for entry to Metro Manila and adjacent provinces under COVID alert level 3, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reminded motorists and commuters on Thursday, Jan. 6.

PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos said vaccination cards will be the main document that will be asked by police forces manning the border control points of Metro Manila. Authorities, however, said that vaccination cards should come with a valid identification card for verification. Bulacan, Cavite and Rizal were also placed under alert level 3 from Jan. 5 to 15 while the same status will take effect for Laguna on Jan. 7. “Those without vaccination cards will be barred from entering and will be asked to go back,” said PNP Chief General Dionardo Carlos.

The stricter protocols against the unvaccinated individuals came after the Metro Manila Council passed a resolution restricting their movement. This would be reinforced by an ordinance which is expected to be passed by the 17 local government units in NCR this week.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Benhur Abalos said police forces will also assist the local enforcement units of each LGUs in Metro Manila to conduct random check on the vaccination cards of those roaming around the metropolis. “We remind the public to always bring their vaccination cards which may be required upon entry through the border control points,” said Carlos.

Carlos said the first day of the implementation of the stricter measures in Metro Manila and Bulacan caused traffic congestion. “But the PNP believes that this is only a direct result of the strict inspection measures to curb the possible spread of the coronavirus,” said Carlos. “The PNP is fully aware that movement must not be hampered, but non-essential travel can be controlled. Just stay at home at this time when you have nothing important to do outside,” he added. The Chief PNP said they are continuously assessing the situation to determine if there is a need to deploy additional policemen in border control points.

Source: mb.com.ph