More people loiter amid lengthened curfew hours

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

 

BACOLOD City – A total of 253 individuals violated the new daily curfew here from Aug 9 to 11, 2020.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia ordered the new daily curfew from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. for two weeks starting Aug 9 to 22 to limit the movement of people as a proactive measure to contain the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, public information officer of Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), said 79 violators were caught on the first day of the new curfew, 76 more the next day, and 98 on the third day.

Pico said most of the violators loitered in the streets amid the strict implementation of the curfew hours, while others were stranded due to the limited number of tricycles and passenger jeepneys at night.

He said that individuals with valid reason of staying late outside are not sanctioned if they present documents and identification cards to authorities as proof.

Bacolod residents who were caught violating the curfew were fined P500 and non-residents for P1,000, he said.

They were issued with citation tickets and were advised to settle their penalties within 48 hours, he added.

Violators were also made to render community service.

Pico also advised the public to complete their tasks within the day like going to the market and other establishments so that they will not have difficulty in getting a ride at night.

Despite the increase in the number of curfew violators, Pico noted a decrease in violators of health protocols such as wearing of face masks and observing physical distancing.

As of Wednesday, Bacolod City has 220 cases (165 active cases, 46 recoveries, and 9 deaths).