Labella: Qpass suspension is not a reason to go strolling

CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said that the suspension for the quarantine passes during the Christmas season is not an excuse to go strolling. 

Labella said the purpose of the suspension is only for those aged 15 to 65 years to attend the Misa De Gallo and not a license for people to go anywhere they want. 

“Ig human sa misa, uli lang pud ta. Kon walay importante nga lakaw, magpuyo lang usa kita kay naa paman ang virus,” said the mayor. 

(After the mass, let’s all go home. If you don’t have any important thing to do, let’s just stay at home because the virus is still here.)

READ:Quarantine passes not needed to attend Misa De Gallo in Cebu City

The mayor has instructed the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) to still check for the quarantine passes from individuals going out during day time. 

Those caught with no quarantine passes will be asked to go back home. Should they refuse to go home, policemen may apprehend them for disobedience to authority. 

However, CCPO director Police Colonel Josefino Ligan said the police will practice maximum tolerance because they understand the people want to enjoy the season as well.

He urged policemen on duty around the city who will be monitoring the movement of the people to be a bit more lenient so long as the people are following the health protocols. 

Should there be a need to control the number of people, it will be time to ask for the quarantine passes and encourage those who do not have one to go home. 

Only if they resist and refuse to obey the order will they be apprehended. 

“Gusto pud ta nga malipayon ang mga tawo ‘rung Pasko,” said Ligan. 

(We also want people to be happy this Christmas.)

 Still, the police director urged those with no reason to go out to simply stay at home so as to reduce the risk of spreading the coronavirus. 

/bmjo

Read: Cebuanos urged not to abuse Qpass suspension