QC nabs 3,200 health protocol violators anew

Violators of minimum health protocols form a queue at the Quezon City Memorial Circle after authorities apprehend a total of 3,200 violators during the "one-time, big-time" operation. (Philippine News Agency photo)

CALOOCAN CITY, May 14 (PIA) -- The Quezon City Government has apprehended anew at least 3,200 individuals for violating minimum public health standards against COVID-19.

The “one-time, big-time” joint operation conducted recently by the Department of Public Order and Safety, QC Police District, Task Force on Transport and Traffic Management, Task Force Disiplina, and Market Development and Administration Department in the city’s 142 barangays.

The violators were brought to the Quezon Memorial Circle for proper documentation and lecture on ordinances pertaining to minimum health protocols in the city. They were also issued Ordinance Violation Receipts (OVR) with a corresponding penalty of P300, P500, and P1,000 for the first, second and third offense, respectively.

The apprehended individuals will have to pay the fine within a reasonable period. If they fail to pay within the prescribed period, the City Prosecutors Office will file a case that will flag them once they apply for a police clearance for whatever purpose.

To ensure everyone’s safety during the operations, individuals who showed symptoms of COVID-19 such as fever, cough, colds, and difficulty of breathing underwent swab testing. Meanwhile, the city also provided face masks and face shields to apprehended violators.

DPOS head Gen. Elmo San Diego (Ret.) said the operation aims to lessen the number of health protocol violators in the city.

“Ginawa na natin itong ‘One Time Big Time’ noong nakaraang buwan, at gagawin pa rin natin ngayon. Hindi tayo titigil hangga’t marami pa ring pasaway na hindi sumusunod sa ating local ordinances on health protocols,” San Diego said.

Mayor Joy Belmonte said the city is intensifying its campaign to warn and educate the residents on minimum health standards.

“Ikinasa itong One Time Big Time operations sapagkat marami pa rin ang hindi sumusunod sa health protocols. Gayunman, ipatutupad pa rin natin ang maximum tolerance at ang mga mahuhuling lumabag ay bibigyan ng ticket,” Mayor Joy Belmonte said.

“Kamakailan, namahagi rin tayo ng 1.2 million face masks at 300,000 face shields sa ating indigent residents para maiwasan ang mga ganitong paglabag sa ating mga ordinansa,” Belmonte added.

Last March, the law and order cluster of QC apprehended more than 1,700 individuals during a ‘One Time Big Time’ operation over violations on minimum health protocols that are being implemented in the city. (PIA NCR)

Source: Philippines Information Agency (pia.gov.ph)