23 held for quarantine breach at baptismal party

MANILA, Philippines — At least 23 people were arrested for violating COVID-19 health protocols during a baptismal party at the Manila North Cemetery on Saturday night.

The guests at a christening reception were engaged in a videoke session while drinking inside the cemetery, according to Lt. Col. John Guiagui, commander of the Manila Police District Station 3.

Guiagui said the guests violated health protocols such as wearing of face masks and physical distancing.

“They also violated the city ordinance as they were drinking liquor inside the cemetery, which is a public place,” he said. “They were outside their houses and not wearing face masks.”

A concerned citizen alerted the police about the mass gathering at the Manila North Cemetery, Guiagui said.

Those arrested will face charges for violating community quarantine protocols and the revised local ordinance on drinking in public places, police said.