Restorbar owner, managers sued over mass gathering

CEBU, Philippines — The owner and two managers of a restobar at the Cebu IT Park in Cebu City are facing charges for violating the quarantine protocol during the Fiesta Señor.

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) filed the charges against them for violating Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code.

Article 151 “punishes resistance and disobedience to a person in authority or the agents of such person.”

The penalty for violating Article 151 of the RPC is arresto mayor, or imprisonment of one month and one day to six months, and a fine not exceeding P100,000.

Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, CCPO deputy city director for operations, said the restobar featured a live band and was filled with patrons on Sunday in celebration of the feast honoring Señor Sto. Niño.

He said the management of the restobar violated the protocol on mass gathering.

"As advised by the station commander of Police Station 4, three charges were filed against the owner and managers,” he said.

He warned business establishments not to violate the quarantine rules, otherwise they will also be slapped with charges.

“This serves as a stern warning to other bar owners. Authorities are closely keeping an eye on them. We are strictly monitoring their compliance with the minimum health standard protocols,” he said.

He said other violators rounded up during CCPO’s Oplan Bulabog were issued with show cause orders by the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office.

Last Friday, the CCPO apprehended 166 individuals for violating the health protocols. — KQD (FREEMAN)