Several government agencies will issue a joint memorandum circular on health protocol violators following President Rodrigo Duterte’s warning last week on jail for mass gathering participants.
The memorandum has been signed by Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Menardo Guevarra and is waiting for the approval of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).
The DOJ said violators will not be imprisoned, but are recommended to be brought to open spaces for processing. It added that local officials can be held accountable for possible enforcement lapses.
“The guidelines provide that the DILG shall hold accountable all local government officials for violation of, among others, the Local Government Code and Revised Penal Code, for failure to enforce all relevant guidelines, laws, and ordinances,” DOJ Undersecretary Adrian Sugay said.
“Regarding barangay captains who fail to enforce rules against mass gatherings, this may also fall under dereliction of duty under the Revised Penal Code. Or it may also fall under Sec 6(a) of Bayanihan Law RA 11469,” DOJ Undersecretary Emmeline Villar added.
Duterte’s warning in his last public address came after several mass gathering incidents were reported in Old Balara, Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon, Bulacan River, and Caloocan.
Barangay Commonwealth in Quezon City said it already has an area dedicated for quarantine violators, while CCTV cameras are in place to monitor protocol compliance.
“‘Pag nahuli namin, automatic sa area na ‘yun, tinitiketan na namin. Kumporme sa violation — walang mask P300, sa inuman P5,000 ‘yun, curfew P5,000 din,” Brgy. Capt. Manuel Co said.
Barangay Batasan Hills said their covered court and basement are used as holding areas, while more volunteers were added to intensify monitoring. – Report from Kenneth Paciente/AG-jlo
