Beachgoers from Cebu City barred entry in Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines — Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has reminded beachgoers that the city government and the city police will continue to strictly implement the health protocols especially on social distancing.

“Dili gyud na sila pasudlon labi na kun moabot na og 50 percent capacity ang beach. Hugtanon gyud natong ipatuman ang protocol aron dili modaghan atong kaso sa Covid,” Chan told The Freeman yesterday.

Chan has earlier directed the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office to closely monitor city’s beaches, resorts, restaurants and other similar establishments in their compliance to the health protocols, after receiving reports that capacity of the venues are going beyond 50 percent.

DRRMO chief Nagiel Bañacia said that one bus from Talamban, Cebu City and ten vehicles coming from Banawa, Englis, V.Rama and Pardo, all in Cebu City, were barred from entry in going to the beach resorts in Barangay Marigondon as the venue was already occupied at 50 percent capacity as required by Inter-Agency Task Force.

Bañacia, in an interview, said that they conducted a checkpoint along the road, a reason why these beachgoers were barred from entry.

Bañacia also said that they do not allow beachgoers to bring alcoholic drinks.

“Wala sad gitugot ang pagdala sa ilimnong makahubog aron sayon ra sa pagbadlong sa mga tawo nga wala motuman sa mga health protocols. Kining tanang atong gibuhat pinangulohan sa atong mga abtik nga kapolisan sa Lapu-Lapu alang lang gyud sa inyong kaayuhan,” said Bañacia in his Facebook post.

The post bore hashtags #Walay kumpiyansa, #Bahala nag masuko mo and #CovidNaaPaNaaRa.

When asked on the possibility that the city, now under modified general community quarantine, will go back to GCQ, Bañacia said, “it’s up to the Oponganons if they remain careless, it could be worst”.

While Chan said the city would still remain under MGCQ, he continues to appeal the constituents to wear facemask, face shield and always observe social distancing.

Amidst the increase of Covid-19 cases in Cebu towards the end of December 2020 until now, Chan said new cases in the city is not that alarming but still Oponganons should not be complacent and remain vigilant.

Data from the Department of Health 7 showed that from December 28, 2020 to January 9, 2021, of the 545 new cases, 45 cases are registered in Lapu-Lapu City. — GMR (FREEMAN)