MANILA, Philippines — The Taguig City government on Tuesday said that condominium administrators and residents must strictly adhere to the guidelines of the enhanced community quarantine, or “challenge us in court” if they won’t.
In a message posted on Facebook, Taguig City Mayor Lino Cayetano stressed that common spaces within the compound of condominiums should remain closed while the Luzon-wide lockdown is in effect.
“We have to follow the guidelines of enhanced community quarantine. Common spaces should remain closed,” Cayetano said.
“If you want to challenge this rule of the city of Taguig that is based on the interagency task force and is now affirmed by various agencies after the issue came out, then you can challenge us in court,” he added.
This came after policemen purportedly implementing the lockdown policy were accused of barging into a gated condominium community in Bonifacio Global City. The police officers allegedly went inside the compound’s garden, “screaming at people” who were staying at the pool area “to go inside.”
Cayetano then said that an investigation is ongoing into the supposed trespassing incident as the Philippine National Police (PNP) as well as building residents and managers will be held accountable.
“An investigation will take place if the PNP officer did anything wrong and we are waiting in statements, he will be held accountable. But I also ask that citizens who commit a crime or who do not follow the ECQ will also be held accountable,” he said.
Cayetano said he was still waiting for a response from residents, managers, and directors of the Pacific Plaza Towers regarding the incident.
“I am waiting for the account of the building residents, the building manager, and the board of directors. I will hold people accountable for both actions, the citizens, the PNP,” he added.