POKEMON hunters will find Pokemon characters by walking on the streets or pick up supplies by going to PokeStops, such as parks and other places of interest, with the help of a lure module.
But players get a different kind of high when Pikachu pops right at their side while walking.
It’s another thing, though, when it’s a robber who shows up, or worse, an oncoming vehicle.
To avoid such a scenario, the Mandaue City Council warned the public not to play Pokemon Go while driving, crossing the street or walking on the sidewalks to prevent accidents and avoid being robbed.
Pokemon Go is a popular online game that sends players—young and old alike—in search of creatures called Pokemons, using Google Maps location data and Augmented Reality software.
Players will find their supplies in Pokestops, which can be a town plaza, monument, chapel, water tank towers, the City Hall or church, among many other places of interest.
During their regular last Wednesday, the City Council approved a resolution to warn and remind the public to always think of their safety.
The resolution was authored by Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna and Councilors Raul Kevin Cabahug V and Elstone Dabon.
“Pokemon Go has raised safety concerns among players. It has been reported that multiple people suffered minor injuries from falling while playing the game due to being distracted. Reports from other countries include accidents due to inattentive driving, trespassing, and being targeted by criminals due to being unaware of one’s surroundings,” a part of the resolution read.
In an interview, Dabon said they passed the resolution to promote safety.
“Kasagaran noh magduwa di na makabantay sa surroundings (Some people no longer mind their surroundings when playing Pokemon Go),” he said.
In Lapu-Lapu, Mayor Paz Radaza warned employees that anyone caught playing Pokemon Go during office hours will be dealt with accordingly.
Radaza said that employees playing the game will be caught easily because the city administrator is monitoring them.
While Pokemon Go gives enjoyment to the players, it will cause a problem if they figure in an accident because of the game, said Radaza.
Although there are no incidents involving Pokemon Go players recorded in Cebu City, Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) Chief Rafael Yap advised players to be mindful of others and respect traffic rules and regulations.
Attorney Yap said that CCTO personnel have been directed to assist in monitoring the players to avoid accidents.
