Health protocol violators during Black Nazarene feast to be arrested, MPD warns

Manila Police District (MPD) chief Police Brigadier General Leo Francisco on Friday warned of possible arrests if devotees would not follow health and safety protocols during the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Saturday, January 9.

"Sa pagtatalaga ng napakaraming pulis na 'yan, sila ay nandoon para magbantay ng physical distancing, pagsasabihan ang ating mga deboto kung sila ay [lumabag], i-maintain talaga ang physical distancing dahil nandiyan talaga ang panganib ng COVID. Kung sila ay makulit at hindi mapagsabihan, dadating tayo sa arestuhan," Francisco said in an interview on Unang Hirit.

Francisco said buses from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology would be deployed to serve as temporary detention facility for violators.

The National Capital Region Police Office has earlier said individuals below 15 years old and over 65 years old are prohibited to attend the event amid the pandemic.

Police also said those persons who are not wearing footwear are banned from participating in the activities.

Authorities reminded devotees to wear face masks and face shields during the feast day and observe social distancing as preventive measures against COVID-19. —KBK, GMA News