The number of curfew violators in Parañaque City is down on the third night of the unified curfew in Metro Manila.
From Wednesday night to Thursday morning, 106 people and 19 minors were arrested.
According to Parañaque City Police, this is less than the 231 offenders arrested on Monday night and 188 the next day.
But in Baclaran, which has the most active cases of COVID-19 in the city, the number of curfew violators they recorded increased.
From 24 on the first night, it was 34 the other night and 39 last night.
The only regret of the barangay residents is that most of the apprehended are still residents instead of outsiders.
So to teach some a lesson, they sang the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” and then squatted for half a minute to get home.
Prior to this, they stayed in the barangay for a few hours.
The second offender was 18-year-old “Vin” who was first caught on the second night of the curfew.
“Pauwi na ako noon, hinihintay ko lang kasama ko. Naginuman kami sa kabilang bahay,” he said.
Curfew violators in Parañaque fined
Violators of the curfew in Parañaque are fined P1,000 for the first violation.
It increases by a thousand each for the second and third violations before leading to the case.
But if curfew violators can’t pay, they can be detained in the barangay for 6 hours or more if they are apprehended for the second and third time.
Glenn Ponan of the barangay health emergency response team (BHERT) said some who have sufficient reasons to be outside are sent home immediately, such as some who need a signal for an online class.
There are additional cases and penalties for those with additional violations such as being caught wearing a face mask and face shield or drinking outside.
Meanwhile, many supermarkets in Metro Manila have reduced their operating hours after enforcing a unified curfew in the capital region due to the increase in COVID-19 cases.
This includes many branches of SM Supermarkets, Hypermarket, and Savemore that are only operational until 8 pm.
However, SM Markets still have some branches that are open until 9 pm.