MANILA - The number of areas placed under granular lockdown in Metro Manila has climbed to 105, the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) reported on Thursday.

In its update, the NCRPO said seven more areas were added to the list which included only 98 areas as of Tuesday.

These areas are in 58 villages under the NCRPO's five police districts.

The Eastern Police District topped the list with 42 areas in 17 villages; Quezon City Police District, 27 areas in 19 villages; Manila Police District, 24 areas in 19 villages; Southern Police District, 10 areas in one village and the Northern Police District with two areas in two villages.

A total of 322 police personnel and 251 force multipliers were deployed to secure these areas.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar urged the public to be more responsible in visiting public and leisure areas in the region which is currently under Alert Level 3.

This came as the PNP logged a total of 45,592 violators of minimum health protocols from October 16 to 20.

Eleazar said he has tasked the concerned police offices and units to make sure that enough policemen are deployed in these areas to help the marshals in safety standards and crowd control.
He has also reminded police officers to observe maximum tolerance "especially to those who will be caught violating the protocols".

Visitors are expected to flock to churches, malls, parks, and other attractions such as the Manila Bay dolomite beach under the more relaxed Alert Level 3.

Under this alert level, several establishments can also operate at 30 percent indoor venue capacity only for fully vaccinated individuals and 50 percent outdoor venue capacity, provided that all employees are fully vaccinated.

The government has also allowed cinemas to reopen under Alert Level 3. (PNA)