99 apprehended in QC for not wearing face mask, quarantine violations

MANILA, Philippines — A total of 99 individuals were apprehended in Quezon City for not wearing face masks and violating quarantine protocols.

Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) head Gen. Elmo San Diego said those captured specifically violated City Ordinance No. 2936, which requires the wearing of face masks in public places amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Among those held was a minor who violated localized general community quarantine (GCQ) protocols, which prohibits high-risk individuals such as those aged 21 and below as well as senior citizens to go outside their residence.

“We called the minor’s parents to ensure they understand how serious this pandemic is and that moving forward, they will prohibit their child from going out when unnecessary,” San Diego said.

“Representatives from the Social Services Development Department (SSDD) are crucial during our operations because they lay out intervention programs for our youth,” he added.

Meanwhile, the other 98 adult violators were processed and documented by the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) at the Quezon City Hall and La Loma Police Station 1, and underwent a seminar.

The city government’s intensified campaign against quarantine violators began on July 8.

The operations were conducted in cooperation with QCPD and various offices under the city government, including DPOS, QC Task Force Disiplina, and Task Force on Traffic and Transport Management.

To recall, the city government earlier launched the “Why I Wear A Mask” campaign, which underscores the importance of wearing a face mask in public spaces to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

KGA