CEBU, Philippines — At least 30 people were arrested Thursday morning for violation of the social distancing protocol while swimming in Dumanjug, Cebu.
Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) director Col. Roderick Mariano said that while swimming is no longer prohibited in the province after its transition to the less restrictive general community quarantine but social distancing has to be observed still.
“Hindi naman bawal maligo, nagkumpol-kumpolan lang sila kasi kaya sila nahuli,” Mariano said.
The violators, however, were released after 12 hours of police custody. But, Mariano said they will be facing charges.
“Kakasohan natin but after nila ma meet yung minimum hours ay papalabasin din natin sila,” said Mariano.
Based on the police records, at least 1,171 individuals have been arrested since the province was placed under GCQ on May 20. Around 74 were arrested for disobedience to authority, eight for drinking in public places, 183 for not wearing of face mask, 614 for curfew, 230 for quarantine pass violation, 59 for not observing the social distancing, and three for want of travel authority.
“Ganun pa rin naman ang deployment kaya lang as GCQ status, syempre mas maluwag lang ang ating pag-che-check kasi randomly nalang ang pag-check natin, but still hinigpitan natin ang atung quarantine patrol,” Mariano said. FPL (FREEMAN)