Minors still among protocol violators

CEBU, Philippines —   Despite lifting the major restrictions in Cebu City, cops are still able to apprehend several violators – particularly among minors – of the minimum health standard protocols.

Last Saturday, February 26, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) rescued a total of 13 minors while 82 more were rescued the next day. The day before, the police also rescued a total of 38 minors.

For non-wearing of face masks, the police were able to apprehend 79 violators last Saturday. The next day, they were able to apprehend at least 54 violators.Last Friday, cops apprehended at least 68 violators.

According to Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of CCPO, they have apprehended more violators against the guidelines of wearing of face masks.

"So dili ingon na we are now free to roam around, but kinahanglan gihapon na magsuot og facemask, especially sa mga public places, and sa mga public utility vehicles, so ato gihapon na syang gi-implement," said Parilla.

Parilla also emphasized that drinking of alcoholic beverages is only allowed inside the vicinity of an establishment or restobars. Those who will be caught outside will still be apprehended.

"Di gihapon na allowed na anha ta sa mga public places mag-inom no, adto lang sa mga allowed na places or establishments," said Parilla.

Over the weekend, Parilla said that as expected, the convergence of people is observed in public places after the lifting of curfew since the beginning of the pandemic.

He added that as early as four days after the announcement of the lifting, the difference of convergence has already been felt around the city.

"Pero dili sad ing-ana kadaghan, so ang mga tawo cautious gihapon sa health protocols," said Parilla.

As to 120 police augmentation from Regional Mobile Force Battalion (RMFB)-7, Parilla said they are still in the premises of CCPO pending the order of the regional headquarters.

According to him, Mayor Michael Rama has requested to retain the augmentation until elections in May but the regional headquarters is yet to decide on this. — GMR (FREEMAN)