VILLAGE heads are now running after violators of safety protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
This came after Mayor Jerry Treñas issued Executive Order (EO) 154, "Deputizing Punong Barangays to Implement Compliance of the Minimum Health Standards Enforced by the Iloilo City Government."
The village chiefs are mandated to show courtesy at all times but shall seek the assistance of police officers if necessary to enforce laws and ordinances relative to Covid-19, the EO stated.
They should ensure the following rules:
* All persons while in public shall always wear face masks that cover the nose and mouth to prevent droplets from escaping and possibly infecting others;
* Strict observance of physical distancing of at least one meter apart from the other person and markers are observed and used by all persons;
* pPssengers and drivers observe a "no mask, no ride" policy in public utility vehicles (PUVs), taxis and Transport Network Vehicles Services (TNVS).
They will also issue citation tickets to violators.
This is provided under Regulation Ordinance (RO) 2020-085, which amended the penalties of RO 2020-061.
For first offense, violators will be fined P1,000 or eight hours of community service per day for three successive days or both, upon discretion of court; second offense -- P2,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for five successive days or both, upon discretion of court; and third offense -- P5,000 fine or eight hours of community service per day for five successive days or both, upon discretion of court.
RO 2020-066 or "Implementing Physical Distancing" provides P5,000 fine for first offense for establishments and P500 for offenders.
Information dissemination on hygiene and sanitary practices will be shown to constituents through media platforms and other strategic locations in their respective jurisdictions.
Village chiefs shall directly coordinate with Iloilo City Compliance Team head Fernando Jose Rico for the implementation.
No village chief or compliance officer deputized is allowed to close any business or solicit money. (PR)