Toledo intensifies drive vs violators of health protocols

CEBU, Philippines — Charges before the court await those hard-headed individuals who continue to violate the health protocols in Toledo City.

Police Executive Master Sergeant Thule Tahadlangit, chief investigator of Toledo City Police Station, said they will arrest those who don’t wear facemasks and observe curfew hours, and those who drink liquor in public places.

He said that under the Revised Penal Code, they have the authority to file a case of simple disobedience against the violators.

"Dakpon nato sila og mag-disobey gyud sila ug gahi gyud sila badlungon. Lahi man gud nang pananglitan ig badlong nato kon makit-an nato nga wa nag-facemask, pwede ra sila i-fine. Pero og gahi gyud sila, ug mo-insist jud sila, naa man ta'y RPC sa Article 125, simple disobedience, ato nang i-implement," he said.

Tahadlangit further said that there are individuals who would only observe the health protocols when there are policemen.

"Naa man gud instances nga palabyon lang ang police, inig labay na sa police, sa patrolya, mobalik napod - klaro kaayo nga disobedience," he said.

John Roseller Layan, Toledo City public information officer, said the heightened campaign against violators of the health protocols is also a way for the public to realize that they are sincere in the fight against COVID-19.

"Labi na karon nga pito nalang among cases, mao nang among police, nangusog pod ani nga dili na bitaw mi masudlan og balik," said Layan.

Under City Ordinance No. 2020-012, all persons within the territorial jurisdiction of the city are required to observe minimum health standards particularly the wearing face mask in all public places, wearing of face shield when riding any public transportation, and stringent physical distancing.

Those who violate the mandatory requirements will be penalized with a fine depending on the offense and/or render community service.

For the first offense, the violator will be fined with P500 or two hours of community service, or both, at the discretion of the court.

A fine of P1,000 or four hours of community service or both for the second offense. For the third and fourth offense, violators will have a fine of P1,500 or six hours of community service and P2,000 or eight hours of service respectively.  — LPM (FREEMAN)