Daily Tribune (Philippines)

95 arrested in QC restobar

We appeal to everyone to strictly observe the quarantine health protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus

- JC BY PAULA ANTOLIN @tribunephl_phau

The Quezon City local government strongly warned restobars, night clubs and karaoke bars that are operating during the general community quarantine (GCQ), to strictly follow health and safety protocols and regulation­s as a way of preventing the spread of the coronaviru­s.

City officials issued the warning after QC police arrested 95 persons who were caught drinking alcohol at a restobar in violation of quarantine health protocols.

The city shut down Guilly’s Island and arrested its patrons caught partying in the restobar.

After receiving informatio­n from QC Councilor Allan Francisco, elements of Kamuning Police Station (PS 10) proceeded to the restobar located along Tomas Morato in Barangay South Triangle

At about 1:20 a.m., the police saw and confirmed the bar’s operation. Ninety-five persons were caught in the act of drinking alcohol and violating existing city ordinances on liquor regulation and other health protocols. Also arrested were the restobar’s employees.

They will be charged with violation of Republic Act 11332, Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act, and violations of a number of city ordinances.

P/Brig. Gen. Ronnie Montejo, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, reminded the public the city is still under general community quarantine, with certain restrictio­ns still being enforced.

“We appeal to everyone to strictly observe the quarantine health protocols to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus,” Montejo said.

Under the guidelines issued by the city local government in August, the operation of restobars, night clubs and other leisure and entertainm­ent centers are prohibited.

We will continue to work with the QCPD on this matter to make sure that these establishm­ents will not operate.

Restobars can only operate as restaurant­s. Although there is a need to jumpstart the city’s economy, the health and safety of its citizens must not be compromise­d, officials said.

Department of Public Order and Safety (DPOS) chief Ret. Gen. Elmo San Diego, Task Force Disiplina head Rannie Ludovica and Business Permits and Licensing Department (BPLD) inspector Edgardo Bayabos served the closure ordered on Guilly’s Island for violating GCQ guidelines.

“We will continue to work with the QCPD on this matter to make sure that these establishm­ents will not operate,” San Diego said.

The BPLD will evaluate whether the establishm­ent can resume operations, as well as the penalties to be imposed on it.

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