Makati citizens urged to report persons, establishments violating quarantine guidelines

MANILA, Philippines  — The local government of Makati City on Tuesday called on the public to report any persons or establishments found to be violating community quarantine guidelines after 121 people were arrested during a raid of a high-end bar.

In a statement, the Makati City LGU said citizens can report through the hotline 168 or the Makatizen App.

Those who will be caught violating the law, the LGU added, “can be held liable and meted with the appropriate punishment as provided by the law.”

“As we have repeatedly warned, we will not tolerate those who willfully put themselves and others in harm’s way by violating laws and protocols intended to curb the pandemic and promote a COVID-free city and nation,” the LGU said.

The LGU’s call comes after TV personality KC Montero, his wife, and 119 others were arrested on Sunday as the Makati police raided the high-end Skye Bar in Salcedo Village.

Those involved allegedly violated quarantine guidelines, as well as a ban on mass gatherings as per guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-MEID).

Under IATF-MEID guidelines, mass gatherings are still prohibited in Metro Manila, which is placed under general community quarantine.

After the raid, the city’s business permits and licensing office (BPLO) ordered the shutdown of the bar.

“We strongly remind owners of bars in Makati City that they are not allowed to operate under current IATF guidelines, and that the city government requires all business establishments to submit a Notice of Re-Opening to the city’s BPLO within three days after reopening,” the LGU reminded.

“The notice may be submitted using Makati BPLO portal, the city’s website, and the Makatizen App,” it added.

JE