Ordinance to fine ‘lockdown escapees’

By Dolly Yasa

 

BACOLOD City – Residents in lockdown areas due to the coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19 are warned not to escape or else they will be fined.

The fine is imposed by an ordinance prohibiting residents from leaving any area in Bacolod City placed under lockdown which was approved on third and final reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

The ordinance authored by Councilor Renecito Novero applies to all residents of the area or building in the city under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The ordinance stipulates that violators will be fined P2,000 or imprisonment not beyond six months, or render community service in the barangay for three months at four hours a day, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.

After completing the community service, the barangay captain or kagawad will submit to the court a report on the service rendered.

A convicted person who opted to render community service but failed to do so must pay the fine or serve the full term of imprisonment, it added.

The criminal complaint for any violation of this ordinance may be initiated by the Bacolod City Legal Office or by the Office of the City Director of the Philippine National Police of Bacolod.

Novero said that there have been reports of persons escaping from lockdown areas, thus the ordinance.