19 charged in Calamba gathering

CEBU, Philippines —  Criminal cases were filed against the 19 people in Calamba, Cebu City involved in a fiesta celebration and were caught on video violating the protocols of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Police Regional Office (PRO)-7 Director Albert Ignatius Ferro said they have prepared the charges for violation of Section 90 of Republic Act 1132 in relation to Section 2A of the mandatory stay at home order, Section 2E of the prohibition on mass gathering, and Section 2K of the mandatory wearing of face mask in public places of EO 082, series of 2020.

"We have already filed the case for the violators in the Calamba incident atong gi-file na ang kay i-dentify na nato tong mga violators," said Ferro.

Ferro added the people charged were private individuals, since their investigation showed that the barangay officials did not have any knowledge in the celebration.

"And remember that several times na kaming nag-meeting sa atong mga kauban sa barangay captains with Secretary Cimatu and they are very much aware sa atong gibuhat para maprotektahan nato ang mga Sugbuanos," Ferro said.

He added that they will see to it that these violators will face the criminal case in the proper court.

Ferro also said that they are recommending to the local government unit of Cebu City for a stronger penalty for ECQ violators and other quarantine regulations.

It was reported that there were several people captured on video and photos holding a mass gathering, dancing and drinking during a fiesta celebration. In the video, they were clearly seen violating the social distancing, while some were not wearing masks.

The Calamba incident happened a day after a religious procession that had a dancing contingent was held at Sitio Alumnos, Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City.  The barangay chairman and 13 others were charged with the same cases.  GAN (FREEMAN)