City police to sue restobar for quarantine violations

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is set to file charges against a restobar at the Cebu IT Park for allowing many customers to gather with a live band evening on the day of Fiesta Señor on Sunday, January 17.

CCPO chanced upon the restobar during its Oplan Bulabog wherein its personnel visited establishments that serve alcoholic beverages.

CCPO Director, Col. Josefino Ligan, said the establishment “clearly” violated minimum health protocols.

"Nasayod man ta nga basta live band, mupadugok man gyud ni ug tawo… daghan gyud kaayo og tawo didto, mu-sobra sa 50 percent nga gi-allow sa IATF… even sobra sa regular days nga bisan wala pay pandemic," Ligan said.

Customers of the restobar also failed to observe physical distancing and were served with drinks beyond what is allowed under quarantine rules.

"Nasayod man ta nga ang active cases sa syudad sa Sugbo tag two digits… ang main source sa transmission is outside ilabi na ning pundok-pundok, kaning gatherings and ilimnon, and yet here comes this establishment nga wala mi-observe," Ligan said.

The restobar’s owner reportedly said it happened only once.

Ligan said the establishment is facing charges for violating the executive order issued by Mayor Edgardo Labella.

The police have also coordinated with the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BLPO) to issue a show-cause order against the owner.

Aside from commercial establishments, CCPO also patrolled barangays to make sure there will be no large gatherings on Sunday, the day of the yearly Sinulog Grand Parade. It deployed an armored vehicle with the help of the military.

The Grand Parade had to be cancelled due to the ongoing pandemic.

"Para mu-patrolya to deter people nga mag-pundok-pundok, mag-inom, mag gather,” Ligan said.

"Apil na pud ang mga kabarangayan kay naa tay nadawat nga taho nga naay gi set-up nga sound system daplin sa kalsada sa may area sa Barangay Lorega ug T. Padilla," Ligan said.

The police immediately acted on the report and dispersed the crowds in these areas.

Ligan said the police will continue to patrol the city to intensify efforts against COVID-19.

With the traditional Grand Parade activities cancelled on Sunday, the Fiesta Señor celebration was generally peaceful, Ligan said. — JMO (FREEMAN)