Thousands of Filipino netizens today put Quezon City Task Force Disiplina head Rannie Ludovica to task for allegedly ordering his men to “shoot on sight” people who violate the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine. Ludovica also wished to kill people whom he saw having cockfights in Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City.

Susme, you already saw what those people are doing that was illegal, then, why did you not arrest them for violating city ordinances prohibiting sabong?

Ludovica’s statement counters the city ordinance issued by the City mayor and her council on possible repercussions for people who will violate the government’s MECQ announcement. There is no law that allows warrantless arrests or shoot to kill against persons who violates the MECQ government regulations.

In his recent presidential address, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte placed the entire National Capital Region (NCR) including the provinces of Bulacan, Rizal and Laguna under modified enhanced community quarantine that mandates the limitation of human movement. Only those working in essential services are allowed to leave their homes.

Duterte’s decision came shortly after two groups of Filipino health workers appealed for a change in government policies insofar as quarantines are concerned. Health workers say the health system is nearing collapse and government should immediately provide concrete steps to be taken to avert a disaster.

Instead of changing his policies, Duterte again resorted to strict quarantine procedures involving state security agencies, a move that has been criticized by many local and international groups for its ineffectiveness.