BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
An ordinance prohibiting residents from escaping from any area in Bacolod City placed under lockdown was approved on first reading by the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
The ordinance authored by Councilor Renecito Novero applies to all residents of the area or building in the city under lockdown to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
If found guilty, violators will pay the fine of P2,000 or imprisonment not beyond six months, or render community service in the barangay for three months at four hours per day excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
After completing the community service, the barangay captain or kagawad acting in his stead, will submit to the court a report on the service rendered, the ordinance said.
Any convicted person who opted to render community service but failed to do so must pay the fine or serve the full term of imprisonment.
The criminal complaint for any violation of this ordinance may be initiated by the Bacolod City Legal Office, or by the Office of the City Director of the Philippine National Police of Bacolod.*
