PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lieutenant General Vicente Danao Jr. reiterated on Monday, June 13, 2022, that the police should follow the orders from the national government, specifically on the protocols to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).Danao has ordered his men to continue implementing the mandatory face mask rule in all public areas as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.“With due respect to our governor-elect Gwen Garcia, we fully respect ang pamamalakad n’yo sa inyong probinsya (we respect your leadership in your province). However, just an advice to all members of the PNP and this is not only addressed to the Cebu Province and Cebu PRO (Police Regional Office) 7 but to all members of the PNP, remember we are members of the national government so whatever the mandate o kung ano man ang pinaguutos po lalo na ng SILG (Secretary of Interior and Local Government) ay sundin natin (whatever the order, especially the SILG, we should follow). Meron tayong (We have the) national IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Disease),” he said in a press conference in Camp Crame.He also urged the public to continue wearing their face masks in public spaces or face the risk of apprehension and contracting the virus.On Thursday, Garcia issued an executive order making the wearing of face masks in Cebu provinces optional in open and well-ventilated spaces.In response, SILG Eduardo Año said they do not recognize Garcia’s order, saying that the IATF protocols that include the mandatory wearing of face masks in all parts of the country should be followed.Año ordered police to apprehend and confront those not wearing their face masks in public areas, which Garcia criticized as she invoked the rights of the local government officials to decide what is appropriate and good for their constituents.Central Visayas Police Director Brigadier General Roque Eduardo Vega said they will abide by Año’s order. Lieutenant Colonel Engelbert Soriano, chief of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), sided with Garcia, saying they will implement her order.Danao said policemen who refuse to follow the orders of the national government, especially of President Rodrigo Duterte, should resign.Duterte earlier said the mandatory wearing of face masks in the country will remain until his last day in office.“Ang sinasabi ko nga ‘yung pulis na under ng national government sumunod kayo sa pinaguutos ng hierarchy pag ayaw ninyong sumunod magresign kayo, ganun lang kasimple,” he said.(What I am saying is that the police, who are under the national government, should follow the orders of the hierarchy. If you do not want to follow, resign. It is as simple as that.)“’Yung mga matitigas naman ang ulo dahil sumisipsip ka diyan e napakabata mo pa iho para mamulitoko sa totoo lang. ‘Wag ka mamulitiko jan you do you job there,” he added.(Those who are stubborn because they are being subservient, you’re too young to be politicking, to be honest. Stop the politicking and do your job.)(SunStar Philippines)