Philippines Man Shot Dead By Police For Breaching Country's Coronavirus Lockdown Restrictions

Philippines man was shot dead by a police officer for refusing to follow coronavirus lockdown restrictions that were placed in the country. The incident took place in a town located at Nasipit, Agusan del Norte Province, Philippines, on Thursday.

The 63-year-old man was shot after failing to follow the protocols that were implemented to prevent the spread of coronavirus in the nation. The man allegedly attacked officials in a drunken state at a coronavirus checkpoint after being cautioned for not wearing a face mask. According to a police report, he threatened the authorities with a scythe.

"The suspect was cautioned by a village health worker... for not wearing a face mask. But the suspect got angry, uttering provoking words and eventually attacked the personnel using a scythe,” the police report stated.

The man was shot dead at the scene by an officer who was trying to calm him down. The name and other details of the victim were not revealed.

This is the first reported incident of police officials opening fire at a civilian for breaching coronavirus restrictions in the country. This comes days after Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte warned the citizens that anyone caught disobeying government instruction and causing trouble would be shot down.

On Wednesday, Duterte addressed the nation late-night regarding the coronavirus pandemic. He said people should follow the government’s instructions as it was critical for maintaining order in the country.

"And do not harm the health workers, the doctors ... because that is a serious crime. My orders to the police and the military, if anyone creates trouble, and their lives are in danger: shoot them dead,” Duterte stated during the national address.

The president had emphasized on the message again during another late-night televised national address on Friday. He said he would “finish” anybody caught disobeying the rules in order to protect the others from contracting the virus.

"Without these restrictions, this will not end. So if you don't want to follow, then I will finish you to protect the lives of the innocent who don't want to die,” he said.

The largest and most populous island of the Philippines, Luzon, has been placed under lockdown since March 16. People have been restricted from leaving their houses. They are only allowed to step out for buying essential supplies, or if they are front-line workers. Several other provinces have also taken the initiative to impose their own restrictions to curb the spread of COVID-19.

As of Tuesday, the Philippines reported 3,660 confirmed cases of coronavirus and the death toll in the country reached 163.