San Juan mayor backs order to arrest improper mask-wearers

Mayor Francis Zamora. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora backed President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to arrest individuals who are not wearing face masks properly, but said he will follow the guidelines laid down by the Philippine National Police and Interagency Task Force (IATF) on the order.

“Tama lang naman ho na hulihin ang mga hindi nagsusuot ng face mask nang tama sapagkat ang mga taong hindi nagsusuot ng facemask nang tama ay nagiging dahilan po ng pagkahawa-hawa,” Zamora told reporters on Friday.

(It is only correct to arrest those who are not wearing their face masks properly because those who are not wearing them correctly become reasons for spreading [COVID-19].)

However, the mayor said the city will follow the guidelines drawn by the PNP and the IATF regarding the order.

“Ang kanya [Duterte] pong inatasan ay ang Philippine National Police. Of course kung ano po ang guidance ng Philippine National Police at ng IATF, susundin ho namin ito,” he said.

(Duterte ordered the PNP. Of course, we will follow the guidance of the PNP and the IATF.)

According to Zamora, there are existing ordinances in the city that fine citizens who are not wearing face masks, stressing the importance of such penalties to keep people from being complacent.

“Dito sa San Juan mayroon tayong mga existing ordinances regarding fines sa hindi pagsuot ng face masks. In fact, P3,000 ang first offense, P5,000 po ang second and subsequent offenses,” he said.

(Here is San Juan we have existing ordinances fining those who are not wearing face masks. In fact, it is P3,000 for first offense, P5,000 for second and subsequent offenses.)

“Sapagkat kung hindi kayo magbibigay ng multa ay hindi rin susunod ang mga tao… ‘Pag alam nila na seryoso ang awtoridad sa panghuhuli at pagmumulta, ay sila po ay sumusunod. So ito po ay bahagi ng pagdidisiplina ng ating mga mamamayan para sa kaligtasan at kabutihan ng bawat isa,” the mayor added.

(If we do not give fines the people will not follow… If the people see that authorities are serious with the arrests and fines, they will follow. This is all part of disciplining the public for their safety and welfare.)

Duterte on Wednesday night ordered the police to arrest members of the public who are not wearing their face masks properly.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said the order “takes effect immediately,” even if the Department of Interior and Local Government has yet to lay out guidelines over its implementation.

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