The document is an Ordinance regulating the wearing of masks, balaclavas, and other face coverings that conceal identity in certain public places and situations in Naga City, Camarines Sur, in the interest of public safety and law enforcement.
Highlights:
- Title: “Naga City Anti-Identity Concealment Ordinance of 2026”.
- Prohibited Acts: It is unlawful to wear a mask, balaclava, or any face covering that conceals identity:
- While inside or within the premises of commercial, government, or public establishments.
- While dismounted from, standing beside, waiting near, remaining in close proximity, or sitting on one’s parked motorcycle in a public place.
- While loitering, waiting, standing, or lingering in public parks, terminals, spaces, including streets, alleys, and similar areas, unless lawfully justified.
- Lawful Exceptions: The prohibitions do not apply for:
- Medical or health-related reasons (e.g., prescribed face masks).
- Occupational requirements (e.g., for construction workers, welders, or delivery riders while in transit).
- Religious or cultural practices, provided the person cooperates with identification when required.
- Safety gear while actively operating a motorcycle (e.g., helmets), provided the face covering is removed upon dismounting or when requested by law enforcement.
- Emergency situations, disasters, or officially sanctioned drills.
- Penalties:
- First Offense: Warning or reprimand.
- Second Offense: Fine of Five Hundred Pesos (P500.00) or community service of not less than eight (8) hours.
- Third and Succeeding Offenses: Fine of One Thousand Pesos (P1,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than thirty (30) days, or both, at the court’s discretion.
- Enforcement: The Ordinance is to be enforced by the Naga City Police Office, and other authorized law enforcement personnel and local government enforcement units, such as the Public Safety Office (PSO) and the Land Transportation Office (LTO), within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Naga.
Author: Hon. Melvin Ramon G. Buenafe.
Date Filed/Received: February 10, 2026.
- Pending Approval