Commuters nabbed, fined for not wearing face shields

MANILA, Philippines (Updated 10:14 a.m) — Authorities have apprehended bus commuters for not complying with the mandatory wearing of face shields as public transportation resumed in Metro Manila after quarantine restrictions were eased last week, according to the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) of the Philippine National Police.

While he could not cite numbers, HPG National Capital Region field commander Col. Wilson Doromal said they have fined several commuters who were allowed to board public utility vehicles (PUVs) despite not wearing face shields.

"We apprehended many commuters because they were allowed by conductors and drivers to board buses. We are protecting other passengers who follow protocols because buses are air conditioned so spreading the virus is possible," Doromal said in an interview aired over dzBB.

The Department of Transportation has required commuters to wear face shields on top of face masks to curb the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 in PUVs.

Doromal said PUV drivers who allowed passengers to board vehicles without face shields were fined and issued citation tickets in relation to reckless driving, in coordination with the Land Transportation Office.

“They put the health of other passengers at risk,” he said.

The HPG urged bus drivers and conductors to strictly enforce the “no face mask, no face shield, no entry” rule.

“They should be setting the example. If they strictly impose health and safety guidelines, we would not see passengers without face shields boarding PUVs,” Doromal said.

He said HPG operatives also confiscated the licenses of bus drivers.

Local government units (LGUs)have passed ordinances requiring the use of face masks outdoors. President Duterte has said defying such rules was a “serious crime” and merits arrest amid the pandemic.

LGUs have also implemented no face mask, no entry policies in public mass transport, business establishments, isolation facilities, hospitals, workplaces and markets.