The Muntinlupa police will intensify the implementation of a city ordinance on the mandatory wearing of face masks outside residence following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte, on Wednesday, ordered the police to arrest people who are not wearing face masks properly.

The Muntinlupa City government has been urging the public to wear face masks properly by covering the mouth, nose, and chin, and face shields to prevent the transmission of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

In July last year, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi signed Ordinance 2020-109 which was passed by the City Council requiring all persons “to wear face masks at all times outside of their residences, at the workplace, when entering government buildings and offices, and while in public places.”

Face mask, under the ordinance, is defined as any “protective clothing or material used to cover the nose, mouth, and chin with specifications and proper use as recommended by the Department of Health (DOH), including, but not limited to, surgical masks, medical masks, N95 masks, ear loop masks, indigenous, reusable, and do-it-yourself masks.”

Fines are imposed on anyone caught violating the ordinance. Violators will be fined P300 for the first offense, P500 for the second, and P1,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.

If the violator is a minor, a stern warning is given for the first offense, withdrawal of scholarship grant from the local government or P300 fine for non-grantee for the second offense, and P500 for third and subsequent offenses. The fines will be imposed on parents or guardians.

The Muntinlupa Police, barangays, the Public Order and Security Office (POSO) and other personnel deputized by the mayor are mandated to implement the ordinance.