QC protesters who demanded aid amid COVID-19 crisis face raps -QCPD

Police are set to file charges against the 21 residents of Sitio San Roque in Quezon City who had staged a protest as they appealed for assistance during this enhanced community quarantine.

In an interview on Super Radyo dzBB, Police Lieutenant Johanna Sazon, spokesman of the Quezon City Police District, said the charges against the residents would be filed today.

They will face charges for alleged violations of Republic Act 11469 (Bayanihan to Heal As One Act), Republic Act 11332 (Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act) in relation to Republic Act 922, and Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code (Resistance and Disobedience to a Person in Authority or Agents), according to Sazon.

"Sa quarantine law ito pong batas na ito and then 'yung sa pagresist or disobedience po nila sa persons in authority, 'yun po 'yung Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code," Sazon said.

Sazon said police had tried to urge the residents to go home but the latter refused to follow the authorities.

"Pinakiusapan naman po sila na magdisperse ng maayos kaya lang po matigas po 'yung ulo nila, nanlaban po sila sa mga pulis po," Sazon said.

She said no one was hurt in the incident.

The residents are presently detained at the QCPD Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit.

Meanwhile, following this incident, the Philippine National Police urged the public to stay in their residences and strictly observe quarantine protocols.

"Government remains responsive to their concerns, no less than President Rodrigo Duterte has assured that the needy will benefit most from the P200-billion social amelioration program rolled-out by government in response to the socio-economic effects to the Philippines of the COVID-19 pandemic.” PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac said.

Banac said the police would remain on top of the situation and would continue to enforce the policies and guidelines of the government. -NB, GMA News