BONTOC, Mountain Province – The kick-off operation of Task Force Kalasag last Sept. 10 netted 148 violators for not complying with minimum health standards and 41 individuals were penalized for illegal or parking and unattended parking.
Bontoc Chief of Police, Capt. Barnard Bone Navarra, said of the 148 violators, 120 were accosted for violating the mandatory and proper wearing of facemask and 20 were penalized for non-observance of physical distancing.
Names of the violators of the mandatory wearing of facemask were forwarded to their respective barangays where violators must pay the penalty indicated in the ordinance.
Under the ordinance, a first-time offender shall render community service or attend an awareness seminar on Covid-19 for at least three hours to be conducted by the barangay or municipal official concerned for the first offense.
On second offense, a fine of P1,000 shall be paid by the offender or establishment and cancellation of the business permit or both at the discretion of the court without prejudice to prosecution under other laws.
Navarra said failure to pay the penalty will mean non-issuance of barangay clearance, police clearance, and municipal clearance.
The successful operation is a result of the convergence of the municipal government, barangays in the four central barangays of Bontoc, and various national agencies. – Alpine L. Killa
April 20, 2024
