‘Comply with health protocols or face closure’

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas warned that he will shutter bars, entertainment and leisure venues, and other establishments that failed to enforce COVID-19 health protocols amid the easing of restrictions.

In a statement on Monday, Treñas announced that establishments who will not comply with health protocols to prevent the spread of the virus will face sanctions.

The mayor made the stern warning after receiving complaints of crowded and jampacked establishments with partygoers breaching protocols over the weekend.

“I received complaints of full-packed party-goers breaching protocols over the weekend while alcohol-related incidents were also reported,” he said.

Iloilo City COVID-19 Team Spokesperson and Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) head Jeck Conlu also admitted that they received numerous reports on the breach of protocols in jam-packed establishments as they were not able to control the volume of people.

On Nov 16, 2021, the city government allowed the operation of leisure and entertainment venues in the metro subject to limitations via Executive Order (E.O.) No. 137 issued by Treñas.

The EO allowed entertainment establishments to allow fully vaccinated individuals at a maximum of 50% in indoor venue capacity for fully vaccinated individuals only and 70% outdoor venue capacity provided that the employees are also fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Under the EO, the leisure and entertainment venues, particularly those with live voice or wind-instrument performers and audiences such as karaoke bars, clubs, concert halls and theaters, may now operate at a prescribed maximum capacity.

The city also lifted the prohibition on public consumption of liquor.

With the easing of restrictions, resto bars and entertainment establishments, specifically at the Smallville Complex in Mandurriao district which is the night life capital of the city, announced their reopening.

Ilonggo partygoers swarmed the area and despite the presence of compliance officers and police authorities, photos and videos of overcrowded bars breaching protocols surfaced online.

Hence, Treñas appealed to the public to cooperate and comply with minimum health protocols to prevent another surge of Covid-19 cases.

“We have allowed as many economic activities as possible per IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) particularly, public consumption of alcohol. But we ask for the cooperation of everyone to avoid the increase in cases. We don’t want the return of another surge. We have issued a warning but we will be forced to close down violators,” he stressed.

To ensure compliance of establishments, compliance officers and personnel of PSTMO Task Force on Moral Values Formation (TMVF), Business Permits and Licensing Division (BPLD), and Iloilo City Police Office will conduct inspections around the city.

TMVF head Nestor Canong also reminded the establishments regarding the posting of security guards at the entrance for frisking and vax card check and non-admittance of minors, strict implementation of anti-smoking policy, and ensuring functioning CCTVs. (ERS)