Badjaos 'not exempted' from caroling ban

CEBU, Philippines — The Badjao community in Cebu City is not exempted from the executive order prohibiting caroling, police said.

Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, deputy director for operations of Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), made the remark after some Badjaos were captured in photos caroling on the streets.

Parilla earlier said that caroling could be considered as a social gathering, thus, a violation of the minimum health protocols to combat COVID-19.

He added that the 11 station commanders in the city have already been directed to strictly monitor caroling activities in their respective jurisdictions.

“Ato gyud nang gibadlong kay that is very dangerous, kay magsuroy-suroy ni sila so posible nga silay ga-positive, silay manakod or silay matakdan sa ilang pagsuroy-suroy,” said Parilla.

He explained that the Badjaos are not exempted from the law, especially that they have been seen flocking on the streets, asking alms, and doing carols.

“Nakita na sad na nato so we have already directed our WCPD (Women and Children Division) to coordinate with the DSWS (Division of Social Welfare Services) sa atong city...and even karon gani subsob nasad atong road clearing sa atong PROBE and CESET sa kanang mga mangatulog diha,” said Parilla.

“So far karon, base sa atong EO, bawal gyud na siya kay ang pinaka-top gyud sa atong Oplan Puyo is we have to stay at home kung walay kay essential nga buhaton, and ang pag-pangaroling kay not essential,” Parilla said.

The CCPO will be making reports to the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to request for guidelines that will formally include caroling as one of the prohibited activities this pandemic. — JMD (FREEMAN)