AROUND 1,844 curfew violators were arrested in Western Visayas amid the efforts to prevent the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Based on data released by Police Regional Office-6 (PRO-6), Bacolod City has the highest number of arrests made with 744, followed by Negros Occidental with 424; Iloilo City with 381; Iloilo province with 114; Aklan with 74; Antique with 69; Capiz with 37; and one in Guimaras.
In response to the high number of apprehensions, Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) spokesperson, Police Lt. Colonel Ariel Pico noted most of the individuals they picked up are minors. He explained that since the minors cannot be charged they will call the parents to the police station or the barangay hall and they will be lectured about the violation.
Those of legal age, meanwhile, are ordered to pay a fine of P500 or community service in the first offense; P1,000 or community service for the second offense; and P3,000 or imprisonment in the third offense.
Pico also suggested to the city that a few changes must be made to the current curfew ordinance, as the light charges may be the reason as to why so many people are still violating it. (TDE)