Taguig residents going out for fitness, leisure to be apprehended

MANILA, Philippines — Taguig City’s local government on Thursday warned residents going outdoors for fitness and leisure activities that they would be apprehended for violating guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine.

Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano issued a warning to residents and visitors of Bonifacio Global City (BGC) after receiving videos and photos of persons jogging and doing leisurely activities outside their homes.

“Our front-liners are working hard to keep you safe. When you evade the rules of the ECQ, you not only endanger yourselves but others also. You also take time and valuable resources from areas where they are most needed,” Cayetano said in a statement.

Cayetano further warned that “authorities will not hesitate to arrest violators next time around.”

Over 15 violators of the enhanced community quarantine in BGC, which includes foreigners, have been arrested and charged by the police, Cayetano said.

Authorities have apprehended over 500 violators throughout the city, he added.

Cayetano then asked for building managers and their security teams’ cooperation in implementing the strict quarantine measure’s guidelines.

“BGC has 30 confirmed COVID-19 infections but I am confident that if they fully participate in their comprehensive approach in handling the virus, we can contain its spread,” he said.

“We have been doing extensive contact tracing, disinfection and containment in BGC and the rest of Taguig, but we need citizens to cooperate,” he added.

Cayetano placed Taguig City on lockdown last month to limit the public’s movement and contain the spread of COVID-19.