The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said barangays in Cebu continue to implement the mandatory face mask use policy despite Governor Gwen Garcia’s reluctance to rectify her directive on the “optional” face mask use in open areas.
According to DILG Undersecretary Martin Diño, minimum health protocols should continue to be implemented as the country remains under a state of public health emergency.
“Kami naman sa barangay, we will continue iyong tinatawag na health protocol at saka iyong compliance. Tandaan natin, up to this day, nandito tayo sa tinatawag na state of public health calamity sa buong Pilipinas, at iyan ay hindi pa binababa,” he said in the June 21 Laging Handa briefing.
“Walang tigil ang ating mga barangay sa pagsita dahil unang-una, ang pinuproteksiyunan natin ay ang buhay ng mga bawat Cebuano at bawat Pilipino – iyan ang ating ipinatutupad,” he added.
The official reminded the public that Cebu City had a COVID-19 surge before, which might happen again if health protocols are removed.
“If you remember, halos nagkaroon ng surge diyan. At pinadala pa nga natin ang ating kasundaluhan, ang ating kapulisan, at lahat halos ng mga secretaries ng kaniya-kaniyang departamento, even the DENR Secretary Cimatu, Secretary Eduardo Año,” he said.
“Nasa huli ang pagsisisi. Baka mamaya kapag sumipa iyan ay hindi natin mari-reverse dahil buhay ng tao ang nakataya diyan,” he added.
Diño also warned the public that there are penalties for those who will not abide by the health protocols. – With reports from Naomi Tiburcio/ML–ag
