IN JUST one week, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) apprehended more than 1,000 people for violating the minimum health standards set by the government to control the spread of Covid-19.

The police said this could be because people have become complacent after the decrease in Covid-19 cases in Cebu.

From Nov. 8 to 14, 2021, 11 police stations in Cebu were able to arrest 1,366 health protocol violators during their nightly “Oplan Bulabog.” Of the total number, 1,212 are adults and 154 are minors.

A total of 482 were caught not wearing their masks and 939 stayed out past the curfew.

Lt. Col. Wilbert Parilla, CCPO deputy city director of operation, said they have also inspected 2,780 establishments every night, especially those that serve liquor.

However, Parilla said the number of apprehensions has decreased now that wearing of face shields is no longer required inside establishments.

He said back when restrictions were tighter in Cebu City, they would arrest about 200 violators every night.

“That is also because more activities are now allowed like drinking in bars. Most of our violators now are curfew violators, not because of failure to wear masks or face shields,” said Parilla.

Parilla said the public should still follow the minimum health standards despite the decline in the number of Covid-19 cases.

Starting this week, the police officers assigned in barangay control points will inspect sitios together with the barangay officials, and remind residents to always wear their face masks. (AYB / CCP)