The Philippine National Police will continue to implement existing laws, local ordinances and policy on public health concerns especially the minimum public health standards imposed thru Resolutions passed by the IATF-MEID for implementation by government agencies and Local Government Units.
PNP Chief, Police General Debold M Sinas said these include observance of basic health protocols that require the proper use of face mask, face shield, and physical distancing in public places, and specific provisions of Republic Act No. 11332, or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
“As a procedure, all persons cited for such violation of local ordinances and other laws shall be subject to investigation and booking purposes,” SInas said.
He explained that “if the person is found to have an outstanding warrant of arrest, he will be detained”.
If the violation requires that the person be subjected to inquest proceedings, he/she will be presented before an inquest prosecutor accordingly, particularly in cases of disobedience to person in authority, or direct assault.
If the violation does not require inquest proceedings, the offender will be issued a citation ticket pursuant to violation of city/municipal ordinance; and if found to be a repeat offender, and the ordinance provides for a heavier penalty or filing of a case in court, the same will be implemented.
PNP Spokesperson, Police Brigadier General Ronaldo Olay noted that some local ordinances provide reprimand for the first offense while other local ordinances impose fines or jail time.
He said, if the ordinance violation provides penalty of detention, a case will be filed against the violator and proper booking procedure is mandatory for record purposes in case the person will be cited for the same violation in the future during which appropriate penalties for repeat offenders will apply.
(PNP-PIO)
