18 probed for Tondo boxing match

MANILA, Philippines — At least 18 people are being investigated by the Manila Police District (MPD) for holding a street boxing match in Tondo on Sunday despite the ban on mass gatherings during the general community quarantine.

Barangay 182 chairman Jaime Laurente and Barangay 181 captain Facipico Geronimo are being probed for allowing a boxing contest along R. Fernandez street between the two villages in Gagalangin, according to MPD director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco.

A video of the incident showed viewers crowding two men in a boxing match despite restrictions on contact sports.

Barangay councilman Arnel Saenz and his son Ace are also being investigated for allegedly organizing the boxing bout.

Police said they would file an administrative complaint against the barangay officials.

Laurence Bindoy, who is the husband of the barangay secretary, is facing charges for serving as bet collector. Bryan Bindoy will also be charged as the owner of the boxing gloves used by the fighters.

Christopher Abdol, 18, was included in the probe for playing as the boxer. The rest were implicated as onlookers.

The parents of a 16-year-old boy, who was the second boxer, will also be charged for violating a city ordinance on child endangerment.

The minor will be turned over to local social workers for counseling.

Police said they would file charges against the onlookers before the Manila prosecutor’s office for violating Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

Baclaran feast

Meanwhile, Parañaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez yesterday ordered an investigation into a video uploaded on social media involving a game participated in by minors without face masks during a fiesta celebration in Barangay Baclaran on Sunday.

Olivarez ordered barangay officials to strictly implement COVID-19 protocols such as wearing of face masks, shields, physical distancing and the ban on mass gatherings.

In the viral video, children were seen licking each other’s faces.

Reports said the spectators were also not wearing face masks and ignored social distancing measures.

Olivarez, who chairs the Metro Manila Council, said violators would be charged with disobedience to persons in authority under the Revised Penal Code as well as violation of city ordinances and executive orders.

Barangay chairman Julius Anthony Zaide maintained that the games were not part of the activities for the feast. – Ghio Ong