Lawyers of nabbed Makati restobar customers 'bullying' cops, says Makati police chief

The chief of police of Makati on Monday claimed that policemen were being "bullied" by lawyers of some of the 100 people arrested on Sunday night for allegedly violating social distancing measures at a restaurant-bar in the city.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV on Monday, Makati City police chief Police Colonel Oscar Jacildo said about 50 lawyers have arrived at the station claiming that their clients were victims of “illegal arrest.” 

“They are now threatening us. Nakakalungkot nga despite our situation, nandoon at binubully kami,” Jacildo said.

“They are saying na what we have done is an illegal arrest and the law being cited as basis for the arrest is already (expired),” he added.

The Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which gave President Rodrigo Duterte special authority to respond to the COVID-19 crisis, expired on June 25.

Senators also said that the special powers given to Duterte to address the national emergency had already expired following the adjournment of Congress on June 5.

However, Jacildo said the individuals could still face charges for alleged violation of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act as well as Article 151 under the Revised Penal Code or the resistance or disobedience to a person in authority.

He added that upon investigation, authorities found out that the bar had no permit regarding resumption of its operations.

“May business permit pero as to the resumption of their operations, na-confirm today na hindi pa sila nabibigyan ng grant to resume business,” Jacildo said.

Under government guidelines, bars are also not yet allowed to open in areas under GCQ. They will only be allowed to operate in areas under modified GCQ at a reduced operating capacity.

Among those arrested for neglecting social distancing in a bar and restaurant amid the general community quarantine in Metro Manila was actor and television host KC Montero.

Jacildo said the arrested individuals, including one of the bar’s owners, Felix Maramba, are currently at the Guadalupe Nuevo gymnasium.

“As to the doon sa piyansa, hinhintay pa namin kung iga-grant ng prosecutor kasi ang dami-daming councils na dumating doon representing itong mga naaresto natin,” he said.

Jacildo added they were still waiting for the prosecutor’s resolution.

“Kakatapos lang ng inquest proceeding so as to the decision of their cases, nasa prosecutor na and we’re waiting for the resolution coming from our prosecutor and on what will be the cases filed against them,” he said. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/NB, GMA News