A team of investigators were sent to General Trias in Cavite to conduct a thorough investigation on the "Karakol" procession which went viral in the social media for blatant violations of quarantine rules amid the threat of the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the investigators were instructed by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año to investigate the incident and determine who is responsible so that formal administrative and criminal charges can be brought against them.
“From the video we have seen, all of the minimum health standards and BIDA behaviors were violated by the participants. We will get to the bottom of the incident and determine who are those responsible,” said Malaya.
The "karakol" occurred along Arnaldo Highway, Barangay Santiago, Gen. Trias, Cavite last July 25.
In a viral video circulating on social media, hundreds of residents were seen attending the illegal karakol procession without using face masks, face shields and had violated the social distancing regulations even if Cavite is under the general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.
Karakol is a religious dance procession held on the eve of the feast day of the patron saint of a particular town.
Malaya noted that the barangay captain, who reportedly allowed and even participated in the event reportedly had apologized “but no apology will be enough for his illegal act and for risking public health and safety in General Trias.’’
“The DILG has repeatedly reminded all barangay officials that they are our first line of defense against the Delta variant. All of them should serve as our role model and also model of discipline. The Barangay Chairman’s act at this time when we are fighting the Delta variant is inexcusable,” he added.
The DILG spokesperson added that those who participated in the “karakol’’ procession should also be held liable for violating the City Ordinance on adherence to minimum health standards.
Malaya revealed that they will also ask the city government and the General Trias Police Station why the event was allowed to proceed and what action they have taken when they learned of the incident.
He noted that the city government should do testing and contact tracing of those who participated in the mass gathering. (Chito A. Chavez)