During last night’s recorded public address, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte (PRRD), has warned anew that the arrest of protocol violators is now “mandatory,” as they continue to defy the strict quarantine and health rules amid the prevailing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.
The announcement came after interior secretary, Eduardo Año, reported about three “super spreader” events that might have let to the recent sudden spike of COVID-19 cases in the country.
According to Año’s report to the President, 2 people who were swimming at Gubat sa Ciudad in Barangay 171, Caloocan City, earlier this month tested positive for COVID-19. Another 54 people who attended a pool party in Nagkaisang Nayon, Quezon City, also earlier this month, got infected from the virus.
Año told the President that they are now tracing the people who attended a picnic in Norzagaray, Bulacan last May 23 because they are also potential carriers of the virus.
“Huwag niyo akong pilitin na talagang pahirapan ko kayo (Do not force me to put you in a difficult situation),” the President said. “Kapag nagpositive ka, dadamputin ka talaga, bantay kayo (If you tested positive for Covid-19, you will really be arrested. Watch out). And I make it mandatory.”
"And it’s criminal for you to get the COVID and pass it on to another innocent person. It is really a crime," said PRRD.
What does this mean to motorcycle riders?
Motorcycle riders are perhaps the most outgoing people in the country. Every weekend, especially on Sundays, riders often flock to popular destinations like Tagaytay City, Kaybiang Tunnel, Marilaque and Cebu’s Transcentral Highway (TCH), sometimes congregating in large groups.
While we enjoy good company with our fellow motorcycle riders or club mates, it may also put us and others at risk of contracting and spreading the virus.
Since this warning comes from the President himself, we can expect the PNP, military, as well as local government units to crank up their verification / flagging down activities at strategic checkpoints to determine whether our travels are essential or not. Please, make sure that your driver’s license, registration documents, and other pertinent details are up-to-date to avoid any hassle.
If you and your club mates are on a ride, make sure to follow minimum health and safety protocols like physical distancing and wearing face masks (and face shield when in public places) to minimize the spread of coronavirus.
Source: Philippine News Agency
