Here are the PNP checkpoints along NCR Plus

As Metro Manila and nearby provinces are placed under general community quarantine or GCQ, travelers intending to cross into and out of these areas can expect more checkpoints, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).  

People moving into and out of the NCR Plus bubble will undergo quarantine control points

Border controls will be enforced by these quarantine control points in strategic areas, said PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana. He explained that while the actual outbreak is in the National Capital Region, the boundaries have been extended to four neighboring provinces under Region 4-A to contain the spread.

Collectively, these areas have been designated as ‘NCR Plus’ and will be placed under a single quarantine bubble until April 4, 2021. People traveling beyond the set borders will be screened, and only those listed under exemptions will be allowed to pass.  

At least 20 checkpoint areas have been set up along the quarantine boundaries

“’Yung boundaries ng ‘NCR Plus’, doon sa strategic areas kung saan nandoon ‘yung boundary ilo-locate ’yung checkpoint. Now, outside the boundary, meron din po ‘yung border control kung sino po ‘yung papasok sa ‘NCR Plus’. So kung sila ay essential worker, definitely sila ay papayagan, pero kapag non-essential workers, sasabihan lang po yung papasok na bumalik na po,” he said.

(The boundaries of NCR Plus will have checkpoints in strategic areas along the boundary. There are also border controls outside the boundary to check those coming into NCR Plus. Essential workers will be allowed to pass, and those who are not will be asked to turn back)

The PNP has set up checkpoints at the following boundaries:

NORTH

• DRT Highway, Bgy. Bulualto, San Miguel, Bulacan/Gapan, Nueva Ecija
• Bgy. San Roque Road, Baliuag, Bulacan/Candaba, Pampanga/Nueva Ecija
• MacArthur Highway, Bgy. Catbuca, Calumpit, Bulacan/Apalit, Pampanga
• Bgy. San Pascual, Hagonoy, Bulacan/Sapang Kawayan, Masantol, Pampanga
• NLEX Pulilan Exit
• NLEX Sta. Rita Exit
• NLEX Bocaue Exit
• NLEX Philippine Arena Exit
• NLEX Marilao Exit
• NLEX Meycauayan Exit

SOUTH

• Bgy. Sapang 1, Ternate, Cavite/Nasugbu, Batangas
• Bgy. Amuyong, Alfonso, Cavite/Nasugbu, Batangas
• Bgy. San Jose, Tagaytay City/Bgy Caloocan, Talisay, Batangas
• Bgy. Sungay East, Tagaytay City/Bgy. Guillermo, Talisay, Batangas
• Bgy. Makiling, Calamba City, Laguna/Sto.Tomas, Batangas
• Bgy. San Agustin, Alaminos, Laguna/Sto. Tomas, Batangas
• Bgy. San Isidro Majayjay, Madlena Road, Laguna/Lucban, Quezon
• Bgy. Tunhac, Famy, Laguna/Real, Quezon
• Bgy. San Antonio 2, San Pablo, Laguna/Tiaong, Quezon
• Bgy. San Antonio, Luisiana, Laguna/Lucban, Quezon  

With Holy Week approaching, Usana appealed to the public to put their out-of-town vacation plans on hold. Meanwhile, the movement of people within the bounds of NCR Plus will be largely unrestricted (except in areas under localized lockdowns), with checkpoints only enforcing unified curfew hours. However, the public is still strongly advised to keep non-essential trips to a minimum, with high-risk groups such as minors and senior citizens highly discouraged from leaving their homes.

Travel within NCR Plus will not be restricted, subject to public health protocols

Conducting face-to-face meetings is highly discouraged, and mass gatherings are prohibited, with weddings, baptisms, and funeral services limited to 10 persons. Food services are limited to delivery, take-out, and outdoor dining at 50 percent capacity with physical distancing and barriers.

For those who rely on mass transit, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that public transport policies remain unchanged, stipulating a 30 to 40 percent loading capacity for railways and 75 percent for public utility vehicles. Commuters are reminded to observe minimum public health measures such as physical distancing as well as wearing masks and face shields. Alternative forms of mobility such as biking and walking are encouraged.

Get more transport and related updates at Philkotse.com.