Close to 12 thousand health protocol violators in Cebu City fined

CEBU, Philippines — Around 12,000 individuals were apprehended and fined for violating health protocols and ordinances in Cebu City.

Police Lt. Colonel Ryan Devaras, Cebu City Police Office’s deputy city director for administration, said they were rounded up following a series of “Oplan Bulabog” operations in 10,652 establishments from April to June this year.

He said 8,331 were apprehended and fined for violating curfew, 2,876 for not wearing facemasks in public places, 537 for going out without quarantine passes, and 172 for violating the liquor ban, which was lifted on May 10.

Of the total 11,916 violators, 9,415 were adults and the rest were minors.

The administrative fine for quarantine violators is at P500 with option to render community service in lieu of paying the fine.

Devaras said the number of violators, so far, is considered “minimal” compared to the number of violators arrested last year.

He appealed to the public to strictly follow the health protocols against COVID-19 to prevent arrests.

This as some of the arrested quarantine violators do not believe that the coronavirus still exists.

“Despite having a massive rekorida and implementing the minimum health protocols for over a year now, many people are remiss in complying with the health protocols.”

“COVID-19 is still present so we must not be complacent. Please follow and observe the health and quarantine protocols,” he said. — KQD (FREEMAN)