Community service added to penalty for Valenzuela curfew violators

To discourage residents from going out of their houses and joining the increasing number of violators of Valenzuela City’s curfew ordinance, those caught will now be required to render community service on top of the P5,000 fine.

City Ordinance No. 670 series of 2020, which penalizes unnecessary outdoor activities and loitering between 8 p.m. and 5 a.m., was amended earlier this week during the city council’s regular session.

“The amendment on Ordinance No. 670 … was enacted to strengthen the consistency on implementing policies during the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) period,” the Valenzuela public information office said on Wednesday.

On top of the P5,000 fine for first-time offenders, they will also render community service such as repacking and distributing relief goods or other approved activities by the City Social Welfare and Development Office.

On the other hand, minors between the ages of 15 and 17 will be required to undergo a counseling and intervention program with their parents or guardians.

Before the amendment, the Valenzuela police also conducted awareness lectures for curfew violators on the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily. These tackled the risks of violating the imposed curfew in the city and guidelines of Republic Act 11469, or the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act.