28 quarantine violators fined in Minglanilla

CEBU, Philippines — Around 28 quarantine violators were apprehended Saturday night in Gullas Drive, Tunghaan, Minglanilla with ages range from 17 to 44 years old.

Police Chief Master Sergeant Rangie Lopez of Minglanilla Police Station said they have been conducting operations in the area in the past months but still several violators have been arrested.

Those arrested were violating the quarantine protocols such as non-wearing masks, no social distancing, curfew and some were even having drinking session.

Lopez further said that the police had conducted patrolling in an overlooking area situated in the mountainous part.

"Nindot man gud ni spot mag-chill-chill, then nadakpan ni sila," he said.

The violators were made to pay the penalty of P500 as provided for under municipal ordinance and were released afterwards. Most of those arrested were reportedly first offenders.

Lopez further said that despite the large number of violators, this wasn't the first time that such happened in the town of Minglanilla.

"Disiplina ra gyud seguro, wala jud seguroy (disiplina) kay wala mi gapabaya sa among trabaho diri in fact continuous ra jud among operation dira bisan panan-aw sa mga tawo diri normal na, kami among ra gihapon gi-enforce ang mga municipal ordinance ug ang mga protocol sa quarantine," said Lopez.

According to Lopez, they usually see to it the police will regularly check the said place where people usually hang out during night time particularly on weekends.

On regular patrolling, Lopez said they could arrest at least 10 violators in one operation.

Just last month, the police were able to arrest at least 40 violators in one night.

"Ang atoang hunahunaon na ang quarantine protocol permanente na siya, any violator ana amo jud dakpon, ang uban seguro gahunahuna na normal na pero wala pa man gi lift ang quarantine protocol," warned Lopez.

At present, Lopez said their information dissemination specifically through social media continuous for public awareness.

The Cebu Province where Minglanilla town is part of is still under the modified general community quarantine. — GMR (FREEMAN)