Gym in QC found operating despite IATF guidelines, 12 arrested

Authorities raided a gym in Quezon City on Sunday night that was found to be operating despite government guidelines under general community quarantine (GCQ).

Members of Task Force Disiplina led by Rodolfo Leyco Jr. went to the gym in Barangay Holy Spirit and found some men lifting weights and not wearing face masks, according to a report by James Agustin on GMA News' Unang Balita on Monday. Twelve were arrested.

Gym, nag-ooperate kahit ipinagbabawal pa sa ngayon sa Brgy. Holy Spirit Quezon City; 12 lalaki nagwoworkout, hinuli ng QC Task Force Disiplina. Buong detalye sa @UnangHirit! @gmanews @dzbb pic.twitter.com/Fj11wn4UzI

— James Agustin (@_jamesJA) August 23, 2020

The gym goers immediately put on face masks upon seeing the Task Force Disiplina personnel.

Some of them said they did not know that gyms are not yet allowed to open.

Others said they were following health protocols.

One man said they needed to strengthen their immunity and need to exercise, while another said he was just at the area eating and not working out.

The owner was not at the gym at the time of the raid. Authorities said he will face charges.

The gym goers were brought to Batasan Police Station and will face charges of violation of Republic Act 13332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

The government postponed the reopening of certain sectors under GCQ until the end of August, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

“The reopening of last-batch sectors such as gyms, review centers, internet cafes will be postponed until August 31,  following the principle of gradual reopening from MECQ [modified enhanced community quarantine] to GCQ,” the Trade chief added. —KG, GMA News