Taking group selfies in public places without wearing face masks and observing social distancing could cost you a fine in Navotas City.

Mayor Toby Tiangco received a report that at least four individuals were photographed taking a groufie close to each other.

"Kung inabutan , we will definitely fine . Ang tigas ng ulo (They’re so hard-headed)," he said on Twitter after uploading a photo of the individuals. How much fine will be imposed, Tiangco did not say.  

Tiangco described their action as something that "does not show concern for oneself and for the others."

"Dati, ang ganitong mga eksena ay nakatutuwa dahil nakikita natin ang bonding ng mga magkakaibigan. Pero sa ngayon na marami ang nagkakasakit, nawawalan ng trabaho at namamatay dahil sa COVID-19, ang mga ganitong eksena ay nagpapakita lamang ng kawalan ng pagmamalasakit sa sarili at sa kapwa (Before the pandemic, these kind of bonding is good to see among friends. But now that many people are getting sick, losing their jobs and die because of COVID-19, these actions do not at all show concern for oneself and the others), he said.

"Kailangan pa rin ng ibayong pag-iingat dahil nandyan pa rin ang panganib na mahawaan ng nakamamatay na virus. Kaya patuloy din ang istriktong pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran (We still need to strictly follow health measures because the risk of infection is still there. So enforcing strict health protocols should continue)," he added.

Tiangco said those who violate health measures, particularly taking groufies in public, should not get a second chance as "the virus does not also recognize a second chance."

"Pag nahawaan ka, maaaring wala kang maramdaman pero maaari ka ring mamatay. Pati pamilya mo at lahat ng mga nakasama ay maaari pang madamay (If you get infected, you may be asymptomatic, but you may also die. Your family and others will also be at risk)," he said.

As the number of new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases in the city lessened in the past few days, Tiangco reminded his constituents not to be overconfident.

"Wag po nating hayaan na tumaas ito ulit at mas tumagal pa ang ating paghihirap. Sumunod sa mga patakaran para wala ng mahahawaan pa. Pakikiisa ang tatapos sa pandemya (Let’s not allow our COVID-19 cases to rise again and prolong our hardship. Let’s follow rules so no more people will get infected. Cooperation will end the pandemic)," he added.