Authorities on shoppers crowding Divisoria: Parang walang pakialam, parang walang COVID-19

Authorities are having a hard time reminding and reprimanding the public to observe health protocols as shoppers rushed to buy gifts and items ahead of Christmas Day in Divisoria, Manila.

The local government unit of Barangay 269, together with some police personnel, faced challenges in implementing physical distancing in one Divisoria street, according to a 24 Oras report by Ivan Mayrina on Friday.

Tired of reminding the buyers verbally, authorities have recorded their voices and played the COVID-19 guidelines in auto-repeat.

"Parang walang pakialam, parang wala nang COVID po eh. Kailangan po sa kanila sila na mismo 'yung susunod po. Hindi po kami nagkukulang sa paalala sa kanila," said Brgy. 269 tanod Elizar Acala.

Divisoria buyers have been swarming the shops, even those with limited spaces.

However, authorities clarified they are not out to arrest people but merely remind shoppers to observe proper health protocols in public.

One such seller acknowledged the dangers of staying in crowded areas amid the pandemic, but said these would not stop her from earning a living.

"Siyempre, para mabuhay ang pamilya ko. Walang mangyayari sa akin kung matatakot lang ako. Kahit may pandemic sige pa rin kasi nabubuhay ako para sa mga anak ko," said seller Andromila Pagas. -Jamil Santos/MDM, GMA News