Police from Manila Police District Station 3 arrested 20 people who attended a baptismal reception inside Manila North Cemetery last Saturday night.
According to Carlo Mateo’s report in Dobol B on News TV, the suspects were arrested for violating health protocols against COVID-19.
Visitors were surprised when police suddenly arrived at the reception held next to the tombs inside the cemetery.
A tent has been set up for the said reception.
The suspects were caught having videoke while drinking inside the cemetery.
Many of the guests also did not wear face masks and face shields.
The suspects have been taken to a covered court near Station 3 of the MPD in Sta. Cruz, Manila.
The suspects will face complaints of violating health protocols.
The Department of Health (DOH) issued a warning against videoke because of the high chance of transmitting the virus while singing.
20 arrested in baptismal party at Manila North Cemetery
Last week, DOH warned that church choirs could spread COVID-19 as churches prepare for Christmas masses.
“Isa ‘yan sa dapat mapag-aralan at mapagsabihan rin of course ang ating mga kaparian at ating mga simbahan that this might be a cause of spreading the virus as well,” Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire said in a virtual media forum.
However, Vergeire that some choirs follow social distancing. She added choir singers should not face each other while singing to avoid transmissions.
“They are all facing towards one direction, hindi sila harap-harap. Although I am not saying na hindi posible ang transmission pero mas nagkakaroon ng limit ang pagtransmit ng virus,” she said.
“But this is still a venue for the transmission of the virus, and we will be, siguro mas magkakaroon tayo ng advisories sa ating mga simbahan (maybe we will issue advisories to churches) regarding this matter,” Vergeire added.
DOH also discouraged the public from using torotot or the traditional yuletide revelry horn to prepare for Christmas and New Year celebrations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a video message for DOH’s Christmas campaign, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III urged the public to use firecrackers alternatives such as vehicle horns and drums.
According to DOH Undersecretary Myrna Cabotaje, these instruments could cause a transfer of saliva.