Some of the 100 individuals nabbed from Makati restobar ‘traumatized’ by arrest, detention

Some of the 100 individuals nabbed in a restobar in Makati City on Sunday night for allegedly neglecting social distancing measures were “traumatized” by the police action.

According to Ivan Mayrina’s report on “24 Oras” on Monday, several individuals, including actor and television host KC Montero were upset because of their detention for almost a day.

“The bar was open. You’re allowed to go there. It was promoted on Facebook na puwede. When we showed up, we were there for five minutes, we didn’t order anything then they came in. Alam ko medyo new ’tong bagong laws, bagong regulations so it’s a bit malabo. I understand that but we’re pushing 20 hours na,” Montero said.

Meanwhile, a man who said he was just eating at the restobar, said the incident might have just caused him trauma.

“Para akong na-trauma na ayaw ko ng kumain sa labas…  We weren’t given the chance to explain na doon na sana man lang na ‘oh kumain lang sila.’ Hindi eh, damay kayo lahat so wala kayo magagawa,” he stressed.

A total of 113 individuals were arrested on Sunday night for allegedly flouting social distancing protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Makati Police Major Gideon Ines Jr., chief of the city’s police investigation unit, said the individuals could 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.

“’Yong social gathering so part ‘yan ng non-cooperation of this disease, ‘yong pag-prevent ng pagkalat ng COVID-19,” Ines said.

“Mayroon ‘yong iba diyan pumalag din of course they are surprised of the raid. ‘Yong nag-(conduct) tayo ng raid then they questioned us,” he added.

Meanwhile, the owner of the restobar refused to comment on the matter.

However, the lawyer of the owner said the area was 900 square meters long and only 100 people were arrested.

The lawyer also argued that the tables were organized so customers can follow social distancing.

As of 5 p.m., police are still awaiting for the prosecutor’s resolution. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News