At least 35 supporters of former Negros Occidental Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez were cited for violating Covid-19 health protocols after they trooped to the Bacolod City public plaza to show their support for the mayoral aspirant Monday morning, July 19.
Benitez was at the Commission on Elections-Bacolod office for the Election Registration Board hearing after three persons allied with the Grupo Progreso party of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia filed their opposition to his application for registration to vote in the city.
Wilfredo Geolingo, head of Task Force Disiplina, said the supporters violated City Ordinances 926 for not wearing masks and not practicing social distancing, and 944 for not wearing face shields.
He said the task force issued citation tickets to 12 supporters, including Negros Occidental former board member Patrick Lacson for not wearing a face shield, while 23 were cited by Police Station 1.
Those who received tickets will have to pay P200 at the Government Center, or do community service.
The public is again reminded to follow health protocols such as wearing face shields and masks and practice social distancing to prevent the spread of the virus, he said.*