MANILA, Philippines — A barangay captain in Lanao del Sur has been arrested for “selling” passes that would allow people to leave their homes during the quarantine period.
Police arrested the Brgy. Mantapoli chairperson Cassar Abinal at 3:50 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, in Marantao town.
The operation stemmed from a concerned citizen’s tip that alerted the provincial intelligence unit of Lanao del Sur provincial police office about the home quarantine passes being sold in the said barangay.
Upon responding to the report, police operatives saw a bond paper posted on the wall of the barangay hall asking for a P20-fee for the issuance of a home quarantine pass.
The barangay captain was brought to Marantao Municipal Police Station to face charges.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año earlier warned abusive local government officials that they will be arrested and charged once they are caught charging their residents for food stubs and gate passes during the quarantine period.
READ: DILG vows to jail local execs behind quarantine-passes-for-sale scheme