The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) declared on Friday that it will not recognize Cebu's easing of face mask rules.
"This Department does not recognize the Executive Order issued by Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia because we have the IATF (Inter-Agency Task Force) Guidelines approved by the President," said DILG Secretary Eduardo Año in a statement.
"The Philippine National Police will continue to confront, apprehend, and arrest, if necessary, all violators of IATF Guidelines and MPHS (minimum public health standards) in the Province of Cebu," he added.
Current rules from the IATF state that face masks may only be removed when eating or during certain well-ventilated sports and activities
According to Año, the pandemic is not yet over and citizens, especially seniors and vulnerable members of the population, may still catch COVID-19.
"The Department wishes to remind the public and all Local Government Units that the COVID-19 virus is still present and the pandemic is not yet over," said the DILG secretary.
"We should therefore be vigilant, continue our adherence to all MPHS, and get vaccinated or boosted immediately."
On Thursday, Cebu Governor Garcia issued an executive order (EO) easing the use of face masks in the province.
According to the EO, face masks will be optional in well-ventilated and open spaces, and will only be required in close and/or air-conditioned spaces, and for those exhibiting symptoms of COVID-19.
The public, however, is still urged to use them when in crowded outdoor areas.
