FILE PHOTO: A health worker conducts a coronavirus disease (COVID-19) swab testing at a gymnasium in Navotas City, Metro Manila, Philippines, August 7, 2020. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez
MANILA, Philippines – In a bid to curb the spread of COVID-19, Navotas City has passed an ordinance implementing the “three-strike policy” against barangay officials who will fail to curb quarantine violations.
https://web.facebook.com/TiangcoToby/photos/a.193672054056552/3807089649381423/?type=3
In a memorandum order released on Tuesday, the “three-strike” policy will be implemented in a barangay (village) if the “Task Force Disiplina or the Philippine National Police (PNP) is able to flag down more violators in a particular barangay than the barangay authorities themselves.”
“[And] if this occurs three times, the undersigned shall refer the gross neglect of duty on the part of the barangay to strictly implement existing ordinances of the City to the Sangguniang Panlungsod,” the order further read.
According to Navotas Mayor Toby Tiangco, the local government has received numerous complaints of people not properly wearing their face masks, as well violations of the 24-hour curfew imposed on minors.
“Gusto po nating manatiling ligtas ang bawat mamamayan kaya hinihingi po namin ang inyong pakikiisa. Disiplinahin po natin ang ating mga sarili at huwag balewalain ang banta ng COVID-19,” Tiangco said in a Facebook post.
(We want to maintain everyone’s safety, that is why we are asking for your cooperation. Let us discipline ourselves and not disregard the threat of COVID-19.)
In his report to President Rodrigo Duterte, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III classified Navotas City as a “high-risk” area for COVID-19, adding that the two-week growth rate in COVID-infections had increased in Metro Manila.
As of March 9, Navotas has 496 active cases of COVID-19, 6,420 confirmed cases, 5,724 have recovered and 200 deaths. – Liezelle Soriano Roy, trainee
RELATED STORIES
Duterte reminds Filipinos to observe health protocols as COVID-19 cases rise
Despite COVID-19 variants, stricter quarantine for NCR not yet discussed