Parties banned nationwide
Under the JMC, sanctions are awaiting the local government units that will fail to implement MPHS in their respective communities
The Department of Health (DoH) on Monday reminded the public that mass gatherings — including parties — that may become super-spreader events are no longer allowed in the country.
“Last 1 June, the Department of the Interior and Local Government Unit (DILG), Department of Justice (DoJ) and Philippine National Police (PNP) signed a Joint Memorandum Circular (JMC) on guidelines governing violators of health and safety ordinances, quarantine violations, and other related violations during public health emergencies,” Health spokesperson Maria Rosario Vergeire said in virtual media forum.
Vergeire said the JMC contains guidelines and punishments against violators of minimum public health standards (MPHS).
She also urged the local government units (LGU) to strictly implement the use of masks and face shields, social distancing, and curfew hours.
“Under the JMC, sanctions are awaiting the local government (units) that will fail to implement MPHS in their respective communities,” she added.
The DoH also urged the public to stay home and go out only when needed to prevent the further transmission of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Vergeire said the increase in Covid-19 cases over the past weeks should be a reminder that the public should never relax in adhering to MPHS.
“We know it is effective and it is our first line of defense to curb the spread of Covid-19 in our country,” she added.
Under the guidelines, the DILG will require LGU and the PNP to establish special holding areas for violators, separate from regular detainees.
The increase in Covid-19 cases over the past weeks should be a reminder that the public should never relax in adhering to MPHS.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the special holding area is needed to avoid overcrowding in jails and transmission of Covid-19.
He added that LGU may consult with their local ordinances and Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Concern Act as well as the Local Government Code to determine whether a violator is needed to be detained for possible legal charges.
Año said local governments who fail to enforce the law, found to be negligent in prosecuting the violators, as well as erring officials who violate the JMC will be held accountable.
“And then the responsibility of the barangay captains and the barangay officials, we also included it in the guidelines,’’ he said.
Based on the latest data, a total of 125,587 individuals between 17 to 30 May were apprehended by the PNP for violating MPHS.
Meanwhile, a total of 1,697 individuals were accosted for illegal mass gatherings. At the same time, 28,533 individuals were caught violating social distancing rules.