Eleazar orders SPD to probe Baclaran fiesta

Philippine National Police chief General Guillermo Eleazar on Monday ordered the Southern Police District (SPD) to investigate a fiesta in Baclaran.

During his weekly press conference, Eleazar gave the instruction in response to a query about reports of minors without face masks who joined a feast commemorating patron saint Sta. Rita de Cascia, which is often celebrated in May.

"I believe that concerned commanders, the SPD and Pasay chief of police could be listening right now, I am giving you instruction to conduct investigation immediately regarding this and do the appropriate action," Eleazar said.

Previously, the PNP leadership gave instructions to his ground commanders to strictly monitor their jurisdiction and prevent mass gatherings especially during fiesta season in May and June. 

On the other hand, Eleazar also said attendees of the religious parade may face penalties such as filing cases or imposing fines.

"If we need to accost them then we arrest them and if we need to file cases then we will do that," the head of police force pointed out, in Filipino.

Also, police officers and local officials will be investigated to determine lapses in implementing protocols against mass gathering, Eleazar said.

"We will have this checked and see if our police officers and barangay officials concerned have lapses. Just like what happened in Caloocan. We will see but everything will be accorded with the appropriate investigation," he said in mixed Filipino and English.

Eleazar added that he leaves it to district directors and police chiefs to sack police commanders on the ground through due process.

"If the regional district director or even chief of police of Pasay thinks the PCP commander has lack of effort, they should relieve and replace them. They can be easily replaced," the police organization head explained. — BM, GMA News