16 held for partying in Taguig

MANILA, Philippines — Sixteen persons were accosted while partying in Taguig City over the weekend, violating quarantine protocols, after a concerned citizen reported them to the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s newly created Facebook page.

PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said yesterday police officers apprehended the suspects while in the middle of a drinking session along a street in Barangay Lower Bicutan at around 10:30 p.m. on Sept. 12.

Their arrest took place a day after the PNP created a Facebook account where people can report individuals violating quarantine measures.

Eleazar said a concerned citizen sent photographs of the partygoers while in a drinking session and disregarding minimum health standards.

“When the police personnel went there, those who attended the birthday celebration were not wearing face masks and not observing the proper physical distancing,” he said in a statement.

Sixteen individuals, including a 17-year-old girl, were accosted and brought to a basketball court that serves as the barangay’s holding area for quarantine violators. They were released after six hours.

Eleazar said the violators are facing charges for violating a city ordinance banning drinking in public places and resistance and disobedience to persons in authority.