MANILA, Philippines — More than 300 violators of quarantine rules were apprehended in Navotas City during the first day of city’s the 14-day lockdown, Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco said.
“Sa unang araw ng ating lockdown, 349 na kaagad ang nahuli ng ating mga pulis, barangay at Task Force Disiplina dahil sa paglabag sa mga ordinansa,” Tiangco said in a Facebook post on Wednesday.
(On the first day of our lockdown, 349 people were arrested by our police officers and Task Force Disiplina because of violating ordinances in the city.)
The Navotas City government previously approved an ordinance that will penalize mass gatherings, the improper wearing of face masks, and breaking of curfew hours.
Under the ordinance, violators will have to pay a P1,000 fine for the first offense, P2,000 for the second offense, and P3,000 for third and succeeding offenses.
Tiangco also appealed to his residents to follow health protocols and help stop the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in their communities.
“Nawa’y iwasan po nating sumuway sa mga patakaran at safety measures para maiwasan na ang hawaan ng virus at matigil na ang pagkalat nito sa ating lungsod,” Tiangco said.
(I hope they stop violating our directives and safety measures to prevent the transmission of the virus and stop its spread in the city.)
The lockdown of the city began at 5 a.m. on July 16. It will end at 11:59 p.m. on July 29. Tiangco said the lockdown took effect to contain the continuing spike in COVID-19 cases.
As of July 16, 1,119 Navotas City residents have been infected with the coronavirus disease. Of this number, 386 have recovered, 72 meanwhile have died.