Curfew violators made to swim in canal in Davao City

Nine individuals were ordered to swim in a canal in Barangay San Antonio in Davao City as punishment for violating the curfew amid the quarantine.

According to Cedric Castillo's report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, the curfew violators fear they might get sick after swimming in the filthy canal.

“Ang dumi niyan. Sinabihan nila kami na mag-mask eh mas matindi pa ‘yan kaysa sa COVID sa dami ng insekto,” Jay Lloyd Purisima said.

“Nakainom kami ng tubig niyan. Single father ako tapos ito lang ang kinabubuhay namin ang pamamasada, kukunin pa nila,” Frederick Matias said.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, meanwhile, also condemned the punishment, saying it was "not humane."

"Palanguyin ang isang tao sa kanal? No, it's not humane. What is humane is dapat pinaglinis sila ng kanal," she said.

However, barangay officials said there was nothing wrong with the punishment.

“Para sa amin tama ‘yon para maturuan sila ng leksiyon kasi kahit anong gawin ng pakikiusap, hindi nakakaintindi,” purok leader Lisa Paglinawan said.

Authorities are currently looking for those involved in the incident to face charges.

“Sasampahan natin ng criminal at administrative sanction, kasama rin ang barangay official o kung sino man ang sangkot sa isyu na ito,” Davao City Police Office spokesperson Police Captain Rose Aguilar said. —Ma. Angelica Garcia/LDF, GMA News