16 Taguig locals nabbed for violating social distancing rules

Sixteen individuals, including three minors, were arrested by the Taguig City Police for violating social distancing measures after holding a birthday celebration in Barangay New Lower Bicutan amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

According to Emil Sumangil’s report on “24 Oras,” a photo posted on social media showed that no less than 15 individuals were crowded around a single long table.

“May concerned citizens na nag-post sa social media and, at the same time, tumawag din siya sa ating tactical operations center. And immediately I asked the sub-station commander of sub-station 9 to check,” Taguig Police chief Police Colonel Celso Rodriguez said.

Upon arrival at the party, police and barangay officials found the party-goers sharing utensils and glasses.

“Talagang dikit-dikit sila and then they are sharing utensils, glasses na dapat hindi kasi hindi natin alam kung sino ang positive doon sa COVID. They are not observing physical distancing and some of them are not wearing mask,” Rodriguez said.

Each of those arrested paid P5,000 in bail.

Authorities reminded Taguig residents that they have no reason to be complacent amid the pandemic. The city has reported more than 6,000 COVID-19 cases.

The Taguig Police said two sitios in one barangay were also placed under lockdown due to the surge of cases in the areas.

“Hindi muna tayo puwedeng mag-relax tulad ng binabanggit ng ating city mayor na dapat observe muna natin ang health protocols tulad ng social distancing at saka wearing of face masks and other PPEs,” Rodriguez said. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News