(File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will continue implementing existing laws and regulations on minimum public health standards amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
"The PNP will continue to implement existing laws, local ordinances and policy on public health concerns especially the minimum public health standards imposed thru resolutions passed by the IATF-EID (Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases) for implementation by government agencies and local government units," outgoing PNP chief Gen. Debold Sinas said in a statement.
This, he said, includes the observance of basic health protocols that require the proper use of face mask, face shield, and physical distancing in public places, and specific provisions of Republic Act No. 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
“As a procedure, all persons cited for such violation of local ordinances and other laws shall be subject to investigation and booking purposes,” Sinas said.
Sinas added that if the violation requires that the person be subjected to inquest proceedings, he/she will be presented before an inquest prosecutor accordingly, particularly in cases of disobedience to a person in authority, or direct assault.
If the violation does not require inquest proceedings, the offender will be issued a citation ticket pursuant to a violation of city/municipal ordinance.
Meanwhile, stiffer penalties for repeat offenders will be implemented.
This came as President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the PNP to arrest people who will be caught not wearing a face mask properly in public spaces in a bid to “protect the public” against Covid-19.
Duterte made the order as he noticed that some Filipinos are merely wearing a face mask “just for compliance".
Meanwhile, PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Ronaldo Olay noted that some local government units only reprimand first-time offenders while others impose fines or jail time.
He added that if the violation of an ordinance provides a penalty of detention, a case will be filed against the violator and proper booking procedure is mandatory for record purposes. (PNA)
