Gatherings of over 10 people not allowed

MANILA, Philippines — Any gathering of more than 10 people will be prohibited this Christmas and the entire holiday season, Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said yesterday.

But Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Debold Sinas stressed that people need not worry about police breaking up any solemn celebration of Christmas in their homes.

Año said that any event with more than 10 people will be considered a mass gathering and will be disrupted by authorities.

“In a restaurant or house, no problem. It’s really the number. If you are more than 10, that’s a mass gathering and you’ll be disrupted,” he told reporters in Filipino.

The head of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) added that authorities will warn violators and arrest those who resist.

He advised the public to instead hold virtual Christmas parties instead of physical get-togethers.

The country has seen an increase in coronavirus transmission these past two weeks, which authorities mainly attribute to more people going out to prepare for the holidays.

“The people’s attitude at Christmas to celebrate, go out, shop, buy gifts and crowding – every time people get close together, there’s that risk of infection,” Año said.

Año urged everyone to strictly observe health protocols so that a spike in COVID-19 cases will be avoided.

In an interview with CNN Philippines, Sinas said that solemn parties are allowed by the government.

“If you hold a solemn celebration, eat together and observe social distancing in your home, then we will not disturb you,” he said in Filipino.

Sinas said even families celebrating in hotels are exempted from the 10-person rule for as long as they observe government protocols on how to avoid contracting COVID-19.

“Even if there’s more than 10 of you, as long as the venue is large enough, we won’t bother you,” he said.

Sinas added police officers will not barge into houses even if there are complaints from neighbors because they could be charged with trespassing.

However, holding parties in public places especially those with a large crowd where physical distancing protocols and other health and safety measures could no longer be observed are not allowed.

In these cases, violators will not all be automatically hauled to jail. Sinas said the organizers and leaders of these large gatherings will be “invited” for questioning and the rest of the participants will be sent home.

“Our instruction is to disperse them,” he said.

PNP deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Cesar Binag said another option is for local government units and barangay officials to impose fines on violators. – Emmanuel Tupas