Police to file charges vs. organizers of procession in Cebu City barangay amid ECQ

Central Visayas Police will file complaints against the organizers of a procession in Barangay Basak San Nicolas, Cebu City amid the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ), Police Brigadier General Albert Ignatius Ferro said Sunday.

According to GMA News’ Ian Cruz, the barangay was among the areas locked down after being identified as a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hotspot in the city. 

Cebu City Mayor Edgar Labella said the City Legal Office has ordered Basak San Nicolas officials to explain the violation within 24 hours.

“I have tasked Atty. Rey Gealon, our City Legal Chief, to investigate the holding of a fiesta celebration in Sitio Alumnos despite a directive strictly prohibiting mass gatherings,” he said on Facebook. 

Labella also said a show cause order has been issued to Barangay Captain Norman Navarro and Sangguniang Pambarangay members.

The order by the City Legal Office stated that a religious gathering took place in Sitio Alumnos in Barangay Basak San Nicolas on Saturday night to celebrate the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist and Sto. Niño

“There was a caravan, a foot procession and ceremonial dancing… The public gathering of the masses was allowed to proceed without any opposition from the barangay officials,” Gealon said.

“It is apparent from the occurrence that the barangay has been too complacent in implementing the clear mandate of the law and has been negligent in its duty,” he added.

The barangay captain denied knowledge of the festivities.

“Captain Norman Navarro is unaware of this Sinulog dance during the Sitio Alumnos festival. He is against this activity,” Barangay San Nicolas said in a statement. 

“Today (Sunday), we are calling all the organizers or the people who initiated this event because this violated the ECQ,” it added.

The barangay also posted photos of security forces scattered on the streets of Basak San Nicolas on Sunday morning. 

Basak San Nicolas has so far recorded 90 cases “and is one of the barangays with the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the city which is considered by the authorities to be placed on hard lockdown,” according to Gealon. — Julia Mari Ornedo/BM, GMA News