MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday warned of filing charges against local government officials who would defy and challenge the guidelines on the enhanced community quarantine over Luzon.

DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said these local officials may face gross negligence or insubordination charges.

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“Doon po sa mga barangay officials or local government officials na magpapabaya at mapapatunayan magpabaya based sa report sa amin sa DILG, pwede po kaming magsampa ng kaukulang kaso sa inyo, gross negligence, gross neglect of duty or insubordination,” Malaya said in a press briefing

(Those barangay officials or local government officials who will be proved to be negligent in implementing the guidelines may face gross negligence or insubordination charges.)

“Nakikiusap kami sa mayors at barangay officials na huwag na sana tayo makarating sa punto na magsasampa pa ang DILG sa inyo ng kaso. Sana po ay gawin natin ito as part of public service,” he added.

(We appeal to mayors and barangay officials that we don’t reach a point where the DILG has to file charges against you.)

Under an enhanced community quarantine, all forms of public transportation have been halted to limit the public’s movements and prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Despite this, the local government of Pasig City has allowed tricycles to help ferry health workers and patients with emergency medical needs.

But DILG insisted this will not be allowed since it would supposedly defy the purpose of the strict quarantine measures in place.

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