Mayor orders mandatory wearing of face masks

By Joseph B.A. Marzan

Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order No. 60-2020 on April 1, 2020 requiring all residents to wear face masks while out in public places during the Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) in the city.

The new order is part of the City Government’s response to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

The city had been placed under ECQ through Executive Order No. 055-2020 which runs from March 20 to April 14, 2020.

Under EO No. 60, all persons shall wear masks or other similar devices that would prevent droplets that may carry the COVID-19 virus, until the end of the ECQ period.

The ECQ period, however, may be extended upon recommendation by national and international authorities.

Persons who don’t wear face masks during the ECQ period will be required to go home or secure one.

Violators may also be penalized either by reprimand or charges for violation of Republic Act No. 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act of 2019.

But Mayor Jerry Treñas clarified that the City Government will only reprimand violators.

“Sa aton diri sawayon ta lang sila. Dapat lang sawayon ta. Wala kita rason nga amo guid na indi gani ako mag-file sa ila,” he said.

The mayor also issued Memorandum No. 105 mandating all Punong Barangays in the city to immediately implement EO No. 60 in their respective barangays.