IPPO ready to enforce ‘no Christmas party’ rule

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

The hierarchy of the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered the arrest of persons who will violate the “no Christmas party” rule.

And the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is bent on implementing the directive.

Colonel Gilbert Gorero, Iloilo police chief, said they would also be prohibiting the holding of any party, as stipulated in the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of the Emerging Infectious Diseases and the executive order issued by Gov Arthur Defensor, Jr.

“This is for everyone. We don’t want that cases would increase during the Holiday season,” Gorero said.

If there would be persons who would insist to hold parties, “we would effect warrantless arrest,” he said.

But while parties are not allowed, Gorero said families can hold dinners if they abide by the IATF protocols on the maximum number of people present.

Still, physical distancing should be observed.

Gorero said they would be implementing the existing IATF regulations, as well as Defensor’s Executive Order No. 183-G, which states the Holiday protocols that must be observed during the celebration of Christmas and New Year in the province.

Under the said order, community fireworks display and Christmas lights festival shall not be allowed.

The governor also ordered the following:

• government/private offices, establishments (companies, business, industry and livelihood establishments) and organizations (Non-Government Organizations and socio-civic organizations) are enjoined from holding Christmas and New Year parties, provided that, family Christmas and New Year gatherings in the household are encouraged, provided further that, such gatherings shall only include immediate members of the family and members of the household.
• public events and gatherings (Christmas parties, receptions and celebrations) during the Christmas season shall not be allowed in social halls, function rooms, cottages and other ancillary facilities of hotels and establishments. Only family gatherings involving immediate members of the family and household members shall be allowed.