PNP: 3 given warning for wearing balaclava during November 30 protest in Manila

Three people were brought to a police station and given a warning for wearing balaclava during the November 30 protest in Manila, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday. 

In an initial report, the PNP said the three individuals identified themselves as contributors for freelance media funded by an undisclosed non-government organization. 

One of them is an 18-year-old college student, according to the police. The other two are aged 20 and 23.

The three were seen wearing balaclava along Plaza Salamanca, Kalaw Avenue around 8:50 a.m. 

Due to this, they were invited to Police Station 5 in Ermita at around 9:30 a.m., the PNP said.

The Manila Public Information Office earlier announced that the city passed the anti-balaclava ordinance, or Ordinance No. 9134.

“Ipinagbabawal nito ang pagsusuot ng balaclava, face mask (maliban kung pangkalusugan), hoodies na nakatakip ang mukha, at anumang headgear na nagtatago ng pagkakilanlan sa loob ng commercial at government buildings, at kapag nakababa o naka-standby sa motorsiklo,” the Manila PIO said.

(This ordinance prohibits the wearing of balaclava, non-medical face mask, hoodies that cover the face, and any headgear that covers the identity of a person inside commercial and government buildings and while on standby or after alighting from a motorcycle.)

The first offense is punishable by a P1,000 fine while the second offense’s penalty is a P3,000 fine. 

For the third and succeeding offenses, violators may face a P5,000 fine, imprisonment for 15 days, and the possible revocation of their driver’s license.

The PNP last Wednesday warned protesters who will join the November 30 rally at the Luneta Park against wearing the balaclava and other face coverings. —KG, GMA Integrated News