JORDAN, Guimaras – The provincial government of Guimaras has taken legal action against violators of quarantine protocols being imposed to keep the island free from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Fourteen cases have been filed before the court against individuals.
he Provincial Legal Office filed seven cases for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code for Disobedience to the Executive Orders issued by Gov. Samuel Gumarin in relation to the management and response of the province to the pandemic.
Atty. Jehiel Cusa, provincial legal officer, said they have also indicted four individuals for violation of paragraph (e), Section 9 of Republic Act 11332 for “Non-cooperation of the person or entities identified as having the notable disease, or affected by the health event of public concern.”
Meanwhile, the Buenavista municipal police station filed one case for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.
Buenavista police chief Captain Jefrey Ferrer said the case was pending before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
The Sibunag municipal police station has also filed a case against an individual for violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code pending before the 1st Municipal Circuit Trial Court (MCTC) in Jordan, Guimaras.
Cusa said there are still several cases that is currently in the documentation stage and is waiting to be filed before the Guimaras Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
Vice Governor John Edward Gando said that to avoid the hassle of being charged in court, residents and guests of the island should observe the health protocols implemented by the province.
“We will not stop from reminding the residents and valued guests of our beloved province to faithfully observe health protocols imposed in order to avoid the hassle of being charged in court. The Executive Committee fervently appeals for your full support and cooperation,” he said.
Governor Gumarin hopes that this would serve as a lesson for residents and visitors who plan to circumvent border control protocols.
“Kun magsulod diri sa probinsiya sang Guimaras, sunod lang kita sa mga protocols. Ini proteksyon man para sa aton tanan bangud indi basta-basta ang aton kaaway subong nga ti-on sang pandemya,” Gumarin said./PN
