Stricter safety protocols up

Strengthened enforcement of safety protocols are in place to secure the Ilonggos amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mayor Jerry P. Treñas on Tuesday led the Iloilo City Peace and Order Council (ICPOC) 3rd Quarter Meeting via Zoom to discuss security concerns amidst coronavirus crisis.

Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) presented implementation of health standard protocols from July to September.

ICPO conducted 808 operations on curfew; 428 persons were counseled and warned; one violator was fined; six persons were arrested for inquest for violating curfew; and two persons were arrested for inquest for disobedience.

ICPO noted that 210 persons were warned and 152 were fined for not wearing face masks.

It added that 279 persons were warned for not wearing face shield.

ICPO recorded 374 persons warned for violation of physical distancing and 19 were fined.

It also posted 11 persons warned for violation on quarantine protocols.

Higher fines are provided under Regulation Ordinance (RO) No. 2020-085 ‘Amending the Penalties of RO No. 2020-061 ‘Mandating the Wearing of Face Mask or Face Covering in Public During Pandemic Period’ to Increase the Fine and Include the Community Service.”

First offense: P1,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for three successive days or both, upon discretion of court;

Second offense: P2,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for three successive days or both, upon discretion of court; and

Third offense: P5,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for five successive days or both, upon discretion of court.

RO No. 2020-066 Implementing Physical Distancing provides P5,000 fine for first offense for establishments and P500 for offenders.

ICPO recommended to activate the Monitoring Team composed of personnel from Licensing, Compliance Team and PNP to conduct random and surprise inspection to establishments.

This is to ensure they are implementing the ordinances, otherwise they will be issued citation tickets. (Beatriz Angelica Pequierda/Iloilo City PIO)