Philippine President Duterte Orders the Arrest of Unvaccinated If They Go Outside

On Thursday, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the arrest of unvaccinated residents who violate stay-at-home orders meant to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Although we know lockdowns don’t stop the spread, Duterte attempts to flex his authoritarian muscles against the majority unvaccinated Philippine population.

The government tightened restrictions in Manila and several provinces and cities this week. Reported cases tripled in the previous two days and unvaccinated residents unfairly received the burden of unscientific lockdowns.

Unvaccinated must stay home or face arrest, while vaccinated residents can continue galivanting to spread the milder Omicron variant.

Philippine President has ordered the arrest of unvaccinated people who violate stay-at-home orders.

"Because it's a national emergency, it is my position that we can restrain" people who have not got their shots, Duterte said in a pre-recorded message.https://t.co/4mr1pqxpKZ

— Marie Oakes (@TheMarieOakes) January 6, 2022

It begins BREAKING: Philippines President Duterte ordered authorities to arrest unvaccinated people if they go outdoors

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— Bagboy (@maineacbagboy1) January 6, 2022

#Philippines' Duterte threatens #unvaccinated people with arrest https://t.co/vgpzXeJqYe

— Oden (@Gjallarhornet) January 6, 2022

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday ordered the arrest of unvaccinated people who violate stay-at-home orders aimed at curbing "galloping" coronavirus infections driven by the Omicron variant. https://t.co/CS0JneSI0v

— ANews (@anews) January 6, 2022

Bangkok Post commented:

Health officials said infections were projected to increase further in the coming days and would peak by the end of the month.

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“Because it’s a national emergency, it is my position that we can restrain” people who have not got their shots, Duterte said in a pre-recorded message.

“I am now giving orders to the (village chiefs) to look for those persons who are not vaccinated and just request them or order them, if you may, to stay put.”

“And if he refuses and goes out of the house and goes around in the community or maybe everywhere, he can be restrained. If he refuses then the (official) is empowered to arrest the recalcitrant persons,” he added.

CTV News added:

“I am responsible for the safety and well being of every Filipino,” Duterte said as he challenged those who disapprove of his directive to file a case against him.

At the end of last year, 49.8 million people had been fully vaccinated, or 45% of the country’s 110 million people. Under existing rules unvaccinated people in the capital region of Manila can only step out of their homes for essential trips.