Quezon City rounds up 3,597 violators of health protocols, curfew

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has rounded up some 3,597 violators of health protocols and curfew since March 16, Mayor Joy Belmonte said Wednesday.

Of the total, 1,325 individuals violated curfew rules, including eight minors while 2,264 violated health protocols such as wearing face masks, face shields, and observing social distancing.

Belmonte quickly noted, however, that none of the violators were arrested and brought to jail as they were only given a warning.

“Hindi po kinulong, hindi nilagay sa piitan, wala pong ganyan. Ang ibig sabihin lang ng apprehension ay natiketan at binigyan ng warning na ‘wag uulitin ang kanyang offense at violations,” she explained during a press briefing.

(They were not jailed, not put inside a cell, nothing like that. The only meaning of apprehension is that they were given tickets and warnings not to repeat their offense and violations.)

“Humane at makatarungan at wala tayong nilalabag na basic human rights dito,” she added.

(This is humane and just and we are not violating basic human rights here.)

Amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases in Quezon City, the local government has imposed a two-week liquor ban as well as curfew hours in a bid to curb the spread of the potentially deadly respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

Quezon City’s supplemental guidelines also include a reiteration of public safety hours, strict compliance to health protocols in workplaces, and mandatory use of the Kyusi Pass digital contact tracing app.

The Quezon City government has also ordered the closure of spas and gyms, which are considered “high risk” areas of COVID-19 transmission.

KGA