Carolers warned: Stop caroling or face arrest

CEBU, Philippines — Carolers are warned to abide by Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella’s executive order, prohibiting street carolers starting December 16, or they will be arrested.

Police Major Randy Caballes, Intelligence Unit chief of the Cebu City Police Office, said carolers will be asked to disperse or to stop caroling, but those resisting will face arrest.

“We will arrest them (carolers) if they will not heed the warning,” he said.

He cited Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code that prohibits resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such a person.

On Tuesday, November 10, Labella issued EO No. 104 banning street caroling from December 16 until the first week of January 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The caroling ban also applies even to private areas, such as subdivisions, condominiums, and other establishments.

Caballes said all station commanders were directed by CCPO Director Josefino Ligan to strictly enforce the EO and to monitor areas under their jurisdictions.

“In every street, we have mobile patrols and foot patrol controllers to implement this EO. We also have the Task Force Kasaligan working hand in hand with our personnel on the ground,” he said.

He said police have also coordinated with barangay officials for additional monitoring. — KQD (FREEMAN)