14 collared in funeral procession for violating ban on mass gathering

By Glazyl Y. Masculino

BACOLOD City – Fourteen persons were arrested in a funeral procession at Barangay Zone 4, Pulupandan, Negros Occidental early this week in violation of the prohibition on mass gathering due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Police Major Junji Liba, town police chief, said 80 to 100 persons walked towards a cemetery, despite a warning from their village chief not to hold the procession amid the strict imposition of social distancing measures in the town.

The province is under the General Community Quarantine from May 1 to 15, and mass gatherings are still not allowed in every local government unit (LGU) to prevent the spread of the virus.

Liba said they saw the people gather and continue with the procession, thus they intercepted them. A short chase occurred in the middle of the road as the attendees scampered away.

Only 14 were cornered while others managed to escape on board their motorcycles and other vehicles.

He said that they allowed the immediate family of the deceased person to proceed to the cemetery, while the arrested individuals were brought to the police station.

He said that more than 200 individuals were already arrested for violating the community quarantine protocols in the town. A total of 79 cases are to be filed against these persons when government offices reopen.

 

Couple nabbed for assaulting cops

Meanwhile,aA couple was arrested for allegedly resisting and assaulting police officers at Barangay Sum-ag here Thursday.

Police Lieutenant Jonito Pastrana, head of Police Station 9, said they collared Victorino Palma, 51, and his wife when they responded to a report that some individuals were gathering outside their houses at A.C. Yulo Street while the city is still under Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

When police arrived at the area, the people ran back to their houses. But Palma, who was believed to be drunk, resisted and allegedly pushed Police Staff Sergeant Lorene De Leon.

Pastrana said Palma’s relatives tried to mob the police officers when they learned that he was being arrested. A commotion erupted when Palma allegedly tried to grab De Leon’s firearm but was eventually subdued.

Later that night, Palma’s wife went to the police station and allegedly insisted to visit her husband, despite not having a home quarantine pass.

Pastrana said Palma’s wife allegedly berated the officers at the police station when she was prevented to see her husband. She was also arrested.

The couple was charged for resistance and disobedience, and violation of the Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

The husband will face an additional charge for assault upon an agent of person in authority.