KALIBO, Aklan – The stricter stance of Kalibo police in a bid to curb the outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 resulted to the arrest of curfew violators in this capital town.
The 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew, which started on March 18, already caught nine people violating it hours after it was imposed.
Kalibo police chief Major Belshazzar Villanoche said the violators have been pressed with charges.
“They should stay at home for their safety and only go out if necessary for emergencies or health-related reasons. The violators would be pursued aggressively in the coming days,” he stressed.
He added that the police are convincing people to stay at home during the curfew hour as part of the community mitigation measures. The curfew hours will continue indefinitely until further notice.
Personnel of the Kalibo municipal police station have started their 12-hour shifts to ensure its residents and establishments comply with Executive Order No. 31, which was issued by Mayor Emerson Lachica.
The curfew imposed forced local businesses; mainly the fast food chain, restaurants, malls, stores, and bars to close before 9 p.m. for the best interests of health and general welfare of the residents. Some commercial businesses even adopted a four-day workweek for their employees while others temporarily suspended their operations.
So far, no restrictions were imposed on essential chores during daytime such as health appointments, restaurant and fast food pick-ups and grocery shopping. Business proceeds as usual for banks, healthcare facilities, pharmacies, gas stations, shops, hardware stores and public markets since they have been permitted.
As of March 18, Kalibo listed 329 persons under monitoring. They are under self-quarantine in their respective homes.(With a report from Akean Forum/PN)
