The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) deplored on Monday leftist group Anakpawis for violating the Luzon-wide Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) as its members trooped to Norzagaray, Bulacan from Metro Manila in attempt to stage an illegal rally in the guise of distributing relief goods.
DILG Undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said the group broke the law by disregarding the ECQ, reiterating that people are only allowed to go out of the residence to purchase food, medicines or for medical emergencies.
Malaya said the group’s act was obviously a “propaganda stunt’’ with the lives of the people in Bulacan being put in extreme danger.
He reminded the public anew that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can infect anyone, thus ECQ guidelines should be strictly followed.
Malaya admitted that the group breezed through the checkpoints when unauthorized food pass was displayed in the windshield of their jeep, name-dropping the name of former Anakpawis party-list Rep. Ariel Casilao.
“Nag name-drop pa sila ng ex-partylist congressman pero buti na lang nasabat sila sa isang checkpoint sa Bigte, Norzagaray, Bulacan,” he said.
“We wish to remind Anakpawis that the virus cannot spread by itself. It has no legs. It is people that spread the virus. You give us no choice but to file charges against you,’’ he added.
Malaya maintained that authorities never give preferential treatment even if you name-drop a congressman, vowing that all violators will be charged.
At about 11 a.m. on Sunday, members of the Norzagaray PNP flagged down a green jeepney with plate number ZHN 869 where six persons were on board at the PNP quarantine checkpoint.
Arrested for violating the quarantine were Karl Mae San Juan of Project 6, Quezon City; Marlon Lester Gueta of Barangay 172, 1422, Caloocan City; Robero Medel of Kamias, Quezon City; Eriberto Peña Jr. of San Jose Del Monte City, Bulacan; Raymar Guaves of Bahay Toro, Project 8, Quezon City; and Tobi Estrada of Malingap St., Quezon City.
According to Malaya,police investigation revealed that the true purpose of the unauthorized travel outside of Metro Manila was to conduct a mass gathering in the form of a teach-in or propaganda work against the government because numerous tarpaulins, pamphlets and propaganda materials were found inside the jeepney.
He said that the presence of numerous propaganda materials only showed the true purpose of their unauthorized travel.
The 50 packs of relief goods were turned over to the Barangay Captain of Bigte while the propaganda materials were confiscated and will be presented as evidence in the court proceedings.
“Anakpawis will have their day in court. The DILG assures them of due process. Sa korte na sila magpaliwanag,” Malaya said.
Malaya explained “that all the six will be charged for violation of the Bayanihan to Heal As One Act and subjected to inquest proceedings for violation of Section 9, Art. 1132 (Non-cooperation of persons), Art. 151 (resistance and disobedience to a person in authority) of the Revised Penal Code in relation to IATF directive dated April 2, 2020 and Department of Health’s Department Order No. 2020-0090 and Executive Order No. 922, Sec. 4 (all citizen are urged to act within the bounds of law)”.
The DILG official added that Casilao will also be charged for usurpation of authority under Art. 177 of the Revised Penal Code. (Chito A. Chavez)