Philippine President Duterte: "Will Arrest Those Not Wearing Masks"

Philippine President Announces 'Manila Lockdown' to Curb COVID-19 [Image Source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Choi Dong-hyun] Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered arrests for not wearing masks in public places.

According to local media such as GMA News on the 21st (local time), President Duterte instructed the police to arrest those who do not wear masks in public places. This comes as the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) has been rapidly increasing, especially in the metropolitan area of Metro Manila.

At a cabinet meeting the previous night, President Duterte said, "I have no hesitation in arresting people who do not wear masks," adding, "Not wearing a mask may seem trivial, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, it can be a serious crime."

He continued, "I dislike arresting people for simple violations like not wearing masks, but cooperation is necessary," and urged, "The government will buy as many masks as possible and distribute them for free to those who do not have them, so please wear them."

Meanwhile, the Philippine Department of Health announced that as of the 21st, 1,951 new COVID-19 cases were confirmed, bringing the total confirmed cases to 70,764, and two additional deaths were reported, increasing the death toll to 1,837.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.