CEBU CITY—Close to 30 individuals were arrested in the first day of implementation of an ordinance that gives more teeth to the city’s efforts to curb the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Police Col. Josefino Ligan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office, said 27 individuals were caught violating City Ordinance No. 2566 which carries hefty fines and 30-day imprisonment depending on the discretion of the court.
“The violations included non-wearing of masks and not observing physical distance. Charges will be filed against those who were arrested. They will undergo inquest proceedings and depending on the decision of the court, they could be jailed,” said Ligan.
Among those arrested were five persons who were caught engaging in an illegal cockfight in Barangay Ermita last Sunday afternoon.
Police Maj. Alvin Llamedo, chief of the Carbon Police Station, said arrested were Renante Dalogdog, 40; Randy Tago, 40; Peter Quisada, 32; Herminigildo Rosas Jr.,54, and Paul James Sarona, 31.
Llamedo said charges will be filed against the five men and 14 others who were able to escape.
Aside from violating City Ordinance No. 2566, the 19 men will also be charged for violating Presidential Decree 1602, a law that prohibits illegal gambling.
Before the arrest, photos showing a group of men participating in an ongoing cockfight circulated on Facebook.
Acting on the photos that were shared on social media, operatives of the Carbon police rushed to the area and cornered the five men.