QUEZON City, Philippines (August 30) – Whether you play it or not, Pokemon Go is unarguably the hottest game available right now. It is a free application for Android and iOS users, which uses the smart phone’s GPS to show aspiring Pokemon trainers the various types of Pokemon they can catch, battle, and trade. Other than Pokemons, the players can also get free items in the game like Pokeballs and potions. These freebies can usually be availed at Pokestops, which are usually located in public places like schools, government offices and others.
Since its launch last August 6, Pokemon Go experienced a steady increase in popularity, evinced by its many players, waving their smartphones around as if looking for a signal.
But Pokemon Go may soon become a no go. Quezon City Councilor Allan Butch Francisco filed a resolution to ban the playing of Pokemon Go in public places.
The proposed ban aims to ensure public safety and human decency in public places in Quezon City.
Councilor Allan Butch Francisco even asked Niantic Inc., – the developer of the game – to stop installing “Lure spots or Poke stops” in inappropriate places such as government offices, schools, and churches. He suggested that “lure spots should be installed in places like: Malls, Pubs, Train Stations and other interesting architectures.”
The proposed resolution will go a long way in helping the public, especially the players, to learn self-control and to refrain from playing all the time. It will help them focus more on work and on studying.
Not only that, with news all over the world of Pokemon Go players suffering injuries and accidents because their attention was fully engaged on the game, the proposed banning of Pokemon Go in public places can go a long way in ensuring the safety of the public.
If the proposal is approved, Quezon City will be the second place in the country to restrict playing Pokemon Go, following Mandaue City, Cebu. Also, the city council will send a copy of the resolution to Niantic Inc. Chief executive John Hanke to make the necessary adjustments in the game.
In Mandaue City, the Department of Education acted an the resolution issued by the provincial board, and will soon be issuing a memorandum prohibiting high schools and elementary students from playing the hit mobile game Pokemon Go on campuses.
In Poland, Auschwitz- Birkenau state museum also banned the game, saying it disrespect the solemnity of the site.
Whether the proposed resolution will be approved or not, players should still exercise their own sense of care and diligence in playing the game. Other than accidents and injuries, many players were also robbed because they did not exercise their own discretion when playing the game.
At the end of the day, there really should be no need at all of passing such a resolution. Players of Pokemon Go should be responsible and mature and sensible enough when playing the game even in the absence of a ban. That way, everybody will be happy and be the very best that they can be without hindering others in their efforts as well.
(written by Allyssa Ruiz, edited by Jay Paul Carlos, additional research by Vince Alvin Villarin)