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Philippines

Thousands troop to Bakas River for a swim in Norzagaray, Bulacan in breach of health protocols

Philippines

Thousands troop to Bakas River for a swim in Norzagaray, Bulacan in breach of health protocols

By Freddie Velez

Around 2,000 people were caught violating health protocols by trooping to Bakas River in the mountain town of Norzagaray in the province of Bulacan, on Sunday afternoon.

Joint police forces led by Captain Erickson Miranda, Norzagaray police officer-in-charge, and Lt. Geejay Cruz of the 2nd Police Mobile Force Company (PMFC) proceeded to the area and saw the huge number of people..

(Photos courtesy of Bulacan Police)

Norzagaray Mayor Alfredo G. Germar was dismayed with the presence of an overwhelming number of people estimated at around 2,000 swimming along the river stretch while others are seen occupying the bamboo cottages.

Germar, assisted by PNP personnel, advised the crowd to stop all the activities and vacate the area.

A total of 75 citation tickets were issued to individuals who violated the provincial ordinance on health protocols.

Initial investigation revealed that the Bakas River in Barangay Matictic has three entrances going to the river area and are being managed by the collectors hired by the village officials since the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions was implemented.

The collectors were reported to have collected entrance fees in the amount of P20 pesos per head and allegedly with clearance from Barangay Chairman Marcial Lucas of Brgy.Maticitc. Lucas and all those involved in the breach of health protocols were invited to the Norzagaray police station.

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