More residents observing curfew

CEBU, Philippines — On the third night of the implementation of curfew and health checkpoints, police observed that the number of people seen outside was lesser than the first two nights, indicating a positive response from the public, said Cebu City Police Office Director Colonel Engelbert Soriano.

Contrary to the feedback of the people during the first two nights, Soriano said that they have observed lesser number of people seen outside past the hour of curfew. The curfew runs from 8 p.m. to 5 a.m.

Soriano previously assessed that people still flocked the central areas of the city during rush hours.

“Doon sa curfew medyo kumukonti na...dati noong first day natin almost 200 so at least nakikipag-cooperate na ang mga tao magandang senyales yon,” he said.

The authorities were able to reprimand a total of 13 minors and 23 adults and immediately advised them to go home.

Meanwhile, on the newly implemented parameters of social distancing which prohibits backriding on motorcycles, Soriano said that they will also start to monitor its enforcement today, focusing on Angkas and habal-habals or motorcycles for hire.

He further stated that their guidance is only to warn the drivers; however, they will also take note of their names and plate numbers, except for couples.

“Case to case basis yung ginagawa namin, lagi naming may humanitarian consideration,” Soriano said.

Moreover, Soriano also emphasized that before 8 p.m., they are already conducting health checkpoints and thermal scanning and after the said time, they are enforcing the curfew, which includes the checking of identification card.

So far, the police have identified 4 checkpoint areas including the three reinforcements of the local government unit with almost 900 augmented police personnel.

“Just enough pag mag-cooperate ang mga tao ng Cebu City tingin ko enough yan,” Soriano said.

To be able to pass the checkpoint at nights, Soriano reminded the public to bring their IDs as proof that they are indeed working at night.

As to the liquor ban, Soriano said that they haven't arrested any violator but that they have warned some establishment owners.  KQD (FREEMAN)