Iloilo cops catch 2,799 persons for violating face mask rule

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Wearing of face masks is very important as it could save lives amid the pandemic.

Anchored on this premise, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) said they will continue to implement minimum health protocols in a bid to curb the surge in COVID-19 cases.

Despite constant reminders, many Ilonggos still forget or even ignore the rule to wear a face mask when in public areas.

IPPO records indicated that 2,799 persons were apprehended from May 8 to May 25, 2021 for failure to wear or improper wearing of face masks.

The number includes 1,371 persons who improperly used their face masks and 1,428 who did not wear a face mask.

Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said not one person was arrested as police would rather educate the public on health protocols.

“We are still on the massive information drive through social media, rekorida, and coordination meeting with stakeholders regarding the wearing of face masks and observance of other health protocols,” Gorero said.

For now, most violators were warned while 94 were fined based on the existing municipal ordinance and 78 were ordered to render community service.

Gorero said violators could be arrested if they acted defiant despite reminders.

He also noted that most violators of the face mask policy are in towns far from Iloilo City.

“We believe that these people from rural towns are getting complacent thinking that the gravity of the pandemic is in the metropolis,” he said.

Lemery had the most number of violators with 213 followed by Sara (99), Miag-ao (85), Dumangas (81), Dueñas (80) San Miguel (77), Badiangan (65), Banate (64), Batad (58), and Janiuay (53).

Gorero has appealed for the cooperation of the Ilonggos to help curb the spread of COVID-19 by observing the minimum health standards such as wearing of face mask and social distancing.