Market violators in Cebu City breach 1,000-mark

CEBU, Philippines — The number of health protocol violators at the city-run public markets has already breached the 1,000-mark, says Cebu City market administrator Irvin Cabales.

Cabales said the non-wearing of mask remains the most-violated protocol. At least 30 violators are arrested in the city on the average every day for non-wearing of mask.

Since January 25, 2021, vendors and market-goers had been warned that they will face arrest if caught without mask.

“Continuous gihapon, sige gihapon ta’g kadakop every day… from morning ‘til night, naa gyud man gihapo’y magpabadlong,” said Cabales. 

“Moingon ra gyud nga usahay makalimot, usahay ilang ibutang sa ilang liog, dili i-properly wear... kuwang ra gyud sa diligence,” he added.

According to Cabales, some people are not really mindful of the health protocols even penalty is more than enough for ordinary people.

“Para nako, bug-at naman na para nila kay considering nga ang mga tawo nga atong nadakpan, mailhan man gyud nato og kanang mga status nila sa kinabuhi. Makaingon pud ta ang uban ana mga kargador, uban ana mga helper sa tindahan, ang uban maglakaw-lakaw lang diha sa Carbon. Mao na’y usually nga makit-an nato,” said Cabales.

At present, the administrative fine for quarantine violators is at P500 with option to render community service in lieu of the fine.

Cabales said most number of individuals apprehended in markets were at Carbon and Pasil. There are 10 markets in the city, including the bagsakan at the South Road Properties. 

Market personnel conduct a “rekurida” every day to remind the people at the market to follow health protocols.

“Every day pud naa atong mga enforcers manakop. Ako nalang hangyo sa mga tawo nga ang gusto lang gyud sa atong mayor, Mayor Edgardo Labella, nga mosunod lang gyud ta sa daily health protocols kay dili man pud na para sa amoa, para mana natong tanan isip proteksyon nga makalikay ta aning sakit,” he said.

The market official asked the public to cooperate by helping solve the problem. — FPL (FREEMAN)