Police say caroling not allowed in Cebu City

CEBU, Philippines —  The traditional house-to-house and street caroling is still prohibited to prevent a spike in COVID-19 infections during the Christmas season.

The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO)

made the reminder as the “ber” months kicked off.

The Philippines boasts one of the world’s longest Christmas seasons, kicking off in September.

Lt. Wilbert Parilla, Cebu City Police Office’s deputy city director for operations, said caroling is a violation of the city government’s executive order (EO) on social gathering.

"So far, base sa atong EO, bawal gyud na siya,kay ang pinaka top gyud sa atong Oplan Puyo is we have to stay at home kun walay kay essential nga buhaton,and ang pag-caroling is not essential," he said.

“Oplan Puyo” or the stay-at-home order was implemented last month following a surge in COVID-19 cases in the city.

Cebu City is under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until September 7.

Aside from the EO, the city’s anti-mendicancy ordinance also prohibits carolers from roaming the city’s streets.

The ordinance imposes a P500 fine or imprisonment of a maximum of five days for violators. An option is for the violator to render eight hours of community service or be meted with any of the three penalties, depending on the discretion of the court.

Parilla said caroling is among activities that have higher risks of transmitting COVID-19. It is a common and popular activity during the Christmas season.

"Usa naman na sa atong celebrations, so karon nga pandemic na, ato man ning gi bawal ang pag suroy-suroy tungod kay delikado. Dili lang para sa mga tawo nga ilang maagian,but for them also sa ilaha (carolers), delikado sad ni sa ilaha,"said Parilla.

Studies show that loud singing has been found to increase viral particle spread by 448 percent compared to normal talking.

In line with caroling and other upcoming activities, the CCPO will be making reports to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and will be requesting for the formal guidelines that will include its prohibition.

"We will ask for guidelines. Dili lang para caroling activities and pasko para pud sa umaabot nga November for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day,” he said.

Pending the formal guidelines, Parilla said individuals doing caroling activities will be warned and reprimanded. No arrest yet, he added.

"As of now, ato sa silang tagaan og warning nga dili lang usa mag-caroling and then we will make a necessary report to EOC para sad sila maka-create og bag-o nga guidelines," said Parilla. — KQD (FREEMAN)