Internet cafes among protocol violators

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City police are now going after internet cafes following reports of violating quarantine protocols especially among minors.

On weekend alone from August 6 to 9, at least 579 violators were apprehended by the police, 97 of them are minors.

A total of 385 individuals were apprehended for violating the curfew ordinance, at least 183 for non-wearing of facemasks, while four individuals were arrested for the violating liquor ban.

Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said the station commanders around the city were already directed to identify the internet cafes in their area of jurisdiction after an increase of violators among minors were observed the past days.

"According sa atong mga chief of police sa atong meeting karon mostly naa sa mga internet-tan, so atong city director nag-direct sa atoang mga chief of police na they have to document all the computer or internet cafes nga naa ra sa barangay," said Parilla.

Upon assessment, Parilla said that most of the small internet cafes especially in the interior portions of the barangays don't have a permit to operate.

"Ato ning ipadala ngadto sa EOC para sila sad ang mo- direct sa barangay na ipa-close ni sila, so ipa-close ning mga internet-tan nga walay permit nga mao pa’y mo-violate," he added.

Parilla also emphasized that minors, over the quarantine restrictions, are still not allowed to enter internet cafes without the supervision of their guardians or parents not unless a school-related activity.

As to the proposal that parents will be also held liable should their children will be apprehended as violators twice, Parilla said the recommendation is now under discussion in the Cebu City Council.

“Uyon kaayo ta ana kay usa na sa atong problema nga magsige lang ta og balik-balik sa atong mga minors og apprehend, rescue, nya pagkahuman mobalik ra sad kay kabalo man silang wala sila'y liability," said Parilla.

Starting Monday, Parilla said they will be closely keeping an eye on areas where most of the violators reside to address the problem.

In general, Parilla, however said that the people were mostly compliant with the standard protocols. However, he said here were some who refused to cooperate.

"Mas daghan man gyud ang mosunod, naa man lang gihapo'y magpabadlong nga pipila nga which is glaring raba kaayo, for example kaning sa mga public utility nga sakyanan, sa public places, nya naa ra gihapon tay ma-apprehend nga mag-inom sa public places," he said. — GMR (FREEMAN)