Joint Task Force COVID Shield commander Police Lieutenant General Guillermo Eleazar warned controversial lawyer Larry Gadon that he could get arrested if he continues to violate protocols in wearing a face mask amid the pandemic.
“Kapag ginawa niya ulit ‘yun sa lugar na may existing ordinance na dapat magsusuot ng face mask ay puwede siyang ma-accost. Sa mga ganoon kasi, ina-accost natin ‘yun, pinagsasabihan, ngayon kung may resistance o may disobedience, puwedeng pagbasehan ng pag-aresto at saka ‘yung may ordinance na existing,” Eleazar told GMA News Online.
Eleazar added he had ordered the Manila Police District to look into the issue.
“Ngayon tumawag na ko sa MPD at sabi ko i-research niya ‘yun, pag-aralan niya, mag-conduct ng investigation,” Eleazar said.
In a separate interview, Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said Gadon should know better than to “flagrantly disrespect the rules and regulations that protect public health” because he is a court officer.
“The PNP will not have qualms in applying the law on anybody who makes similar willful violations,” Banac said.
Elezar warns Gadon: Wear your face mask or get arrested
Gadon, on Thursday, went to the Supreme Court without a face mask or a face shield. He filed a petition asking the nullification of Republic Act 6639, or the law that renamed Manila International Airport to Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Gadon told reporters he does not believe the Department of Health’s statement that COVID-19 is deadly, adding the disease could be cured.
“Hindi ako naniniwala sa DOH, ako nag-ikot ako sa mahigit 20 ospital, mga COVID centers, nagbibigay ako ng donation, hindi naman ako na-COVID…” Gadon said.
“Sobrang pananakot ang ginawa sa atin ng DOH. Tumigil ang ekonomiya natin dahil sa pananakot na ‘yan,” he added.
According to the World Health Organization, “medical masks can protect people wearing the mask from getting infected, as well as can prevent those who have symptoms from spreading them. WHO recommends the following groups use medical masks.
- Health workers
- Anyone with symptoms suggestive of COVID-19, including people with mild symptoms
- People caring for suspect or confirmed cases of COVID-19 outside of health facilities.”