BLATANT DISREGARD OF GOV’T PROTOCOLS

After procession in Cebu barangay, Cimatu says quarantine rule breakers to face charges

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, the official tasked to oversee Cebu City's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Wednesday said people who will break quarantine rules on mass gatherings will face charges.

Fourteen people, including a barangay captain, will face criminal complaints over a religious procession in Barangay Basak San Nicolas over the weekend despite the strict prohibition as the city is under enhanced community quarantine.

"Ngayon kung may mga susunod pang gagawa ng mga gano'ng similar actions ay talagang susunod naman silang makasuhan ulit," Cimatu said at a Malacañang press briefing.

He called the June 27 incident a "blatant disregard" of government protocols and said the people involved will have to answer for the offense.

Special Action Force police officers are patrolling the barangay following the incident, in which residents reportedly held a caravan, procession and ceremonial dancing  to celebrate the Feast Day of St. John the Baptist and Sto. Niño.

The barangay has one of the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Cebu City, according to the city's legal chief.

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier said the government will not tolerate violations of quarantine rules.

Cimatu has recommended that Cebu City remain under ECQ after June 30, the strictest quarantine level in the government's COVID-19 response. — Nicole-Anne C. Lagrimas/RSJ, GMA News