Heavy traffic is experienced along Osmeña Boulevard on Monday morning, August 3, 2020.
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The chief of police in Cebu City is asking the public to bear with the traffic congestion in some of the major roads in the city, now that it under general community quarantine (GCQ).
Some parts of Cebu City experienced moderate to heavy traffic on Monday, August 3, 2020, the third day since the downgrading to a more eased GCQ.
Read: Cebu City downgraded to GCQ
Police Colonel Josefino Ligan, chief of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) said that traffic congestion is expected mainly because of two reasons–the increase in number of people coming in the city and the continuous checkpoints being conducted by the police in some streets in the city.
“Please bear with the traffic,” Ligan said.
“Expect that there will be heavy traffic because aside from the many [people] coming in, police are also conducting checkpoints everywhere. We are checking because we are still in community quarantine,” said Ligan.
In a press briefing on Monday morning, Ligan explained that more people are expected to be on the streets because of the reopening of the establishments in the city. He said since stores and malls are now resuming operations, it is already expected that people will start to flock Cebu City, among them are employees of the different establishments.
Ligan estimates that at least 80 percent of the vehicles are out on the streets on Monday, which is the reason why he believes checkpoints are important since this will make sure that people going out have valid reasons.
Going out for leisure purposes is still prohibited under GCQ and health protocols are still to be strictly implemented.
Those caught violating quarantine protocols will be apprehended.
There is still no exact data on the number of motorists and drivers who were apprehended from checkpoints on Monday but Ligan said that all those who have been caught will be facing charges. /bmjo