A total of 874 individuals are facing charges and a fine of at least P1,000 each after violating an ordinance requiring the use of face masks in Quezon City, the local government said Thursday (July 9).
This came about as both the local government and the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) launched on Wednesday a surprise "one time, big time" operation against violators of quarantine measures, which have been enforced to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
In the same operation, journalist Howie Severino was apprehended and held after members of the city government saw him not wearing his face mask properly. Severino was released after explaining that when he was seen by enforcers, he had just finished drinking after hours of biking.
According to Department of Public Order and Safety head Gen. Elmo San Diego, the violators were apprehended for violating Executive Order No. 25 and City Ordinance No. 2936, which require the use of face masks in public places amid the pandemic.
“We want the public to know that we are serious in implementing these policies for the safety of Quezon City residents,” San Diego said.
The violators were processed and documented by police at Amoranto Sports Complex, where they were turned over after their apprehension. They also underwent a seminar on the proper use of face masks.
The local government said the apprehended individuals were not detained but only documented. They were eventually released, except for two who have standing warrants of arrest for attempted murder and robbery with force and intimidation.
The city government and the QCPD will file appropriate charges against the violators before the city's prosecutor's office.
Meanwhile, under City Ordinance No. 2936, violators will also be fined P1,000, P2,000, and P3,000 for the first, second, and third offense, respectively.
The local government said the strict enforcement of wearing of face masks is one of its responses to the spike in community transmission.
Recently, city health officers discovered through contact tracing that prohibited activities such as parties, drinking sessions, videoke, boodle fights, contact sports, and loitering were among the causes of the increase in the number of COVID-19 cases in some areas.