THE local government of Muntinlupa imposes stricter implementation of its local ordinance on the mandatory wearing of face masks, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s directive to arrest people caught not wearing a face mask properly in public spaces.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has ordered members of Muntinlupa City Police Station, Public Order and Security Office and barangay (villages) to reinforce City Ordinance No. 2020-109 or the “Ordinance on the Mandatory Use of Face Masks in Muntinlupa City,” requiring residents and persons in the city to use face coverings to cover the nose, mouth and chin.

Under the local ordinance, every person in Muntinlupa is required to wear face mask at all times whenever outside of their residence, at the workplace, when entering government buildings and offices, and while in public places.

A penalty of P300 is set for first offense, P500 for second offense and P1,000 for third and subsequent offenses.

For minors, a stern warning will be given for the first offense, withdrawal of scholarship grant from the local government or P300 for non-grantee for second offense, and P500 for third and subsequent offenses. The penalty fee for minors will be charged against their parents or guardians.

Public Information Officer Tez Navarro said while the local government awaits guidelines from the national government, local security forces will use the existing provisions of the local ordinance to apprehend violators.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi reminds city residents that the lifting of liquor ban is for economic reasons and that the health and safety of the public should not be compromised.

“Covid-19 is still an imminent threat so I urge everyone to be responsible and to continue observing health protocols even as quarantine measures and the liquor ban are relaxed in the city,” Fresnedi said.