Lapu-Lapu City imposes curfew, price ceiling, ban on electrical wires sale amid state of calamity

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has ordered adjusted curfew hours, control in overpricing of basic necessities, and ban on purchase and sale of wires and other items used for electrical posts as the city is placed under a period of state of calamity due to Typhoon Odette.

Based on Executive Order No. 2021-076 signed by Chan on Monday, all residents and guests in Lapu-Lapu City are covered by the city-wide curfew from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.

“All business establishments, such as not limited to malls, restaurants, hotels, cafes, bars, shops, service (food and drink) related establishments, spa, massage, parlors, gyms, and entertainment establishments shall close at 8 p.m.,” the executive order stated.

The order covers stalls in public and private markets.

Among those that shall be exempted from the curfew hours are pharmacies, medical facilities, night shift workers, health frontliners, and drivers of public utility vehicles.

Drinking in public places and outside convenience stores is also strictly prohibited during the curfew period.

Meanwhile, the Lapu-Lapu City Price Coordinating Council was also directed to inspect and monitor all city’s business establishments to prevent overpricing of commodities, medicines, and petroleum products.

“The Lapu-Lapu City Price Coordinating Council in coordination with the Business Permit and Licensing Office are hereby directed to submit a list of establishments violating the provisions of this order to enable the city to take the appropriate action against them,” the executive order said.

The mayor also prohibited the purchase and sale of electrical wires, transformers, bronze or coppers, and other electrical items in junkshops and other establishments, adding that illegally removing the items from the toppled down electric posts will further delay restoration of power in the city.

“A violation of this prohibition shall be subject to the Anti-Fencing Law,” the order noted.

Chan also requested Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to closely monitor the covered establishments.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod placed Lapu-Lapu City in a state of calamity last Saturday, December 18 after the wrath of Typhoon Odette.

The mayor said the city was left without electricity and power supply after the typhoon toppled posts.

“Supplies are running low and demand for basic goods and commodities are high,” Chan said as he appealed for relief supplies.

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday declared a state of calamity over Regions 4B, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 13 hit by the typhoon last week.

Duterte said the declaration would hasten relief and rehabilitation efforts in these calamity-stricken areas.—Richa Noriega/LDF, GMA News