Cops probe organizers, participants of Black Nazarene motorcade in Quiapo

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District (MPD) is investigating the organizers and participants of the Sept. 14 Black Nazarene motorcade to check if they violated COVID-19 health guidelines.

“Base sa ating pagpanuntunan, nag-co-conduct sila (MPD) ng imbestigasyon at kagaya ng sinabi natin, upon investigation at kapag may nalamang paglabag e may appropriate action na gagawin,” Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, head of Joint Task Force COVID Shield, told dzBB, reacting on the Black Nazarene motorcade held in Quiapo, Manila.

(Based on our guidelines, the MPD is already conducting an investigation and like we said, upon investigation and if there are violations, there will be appropriate sanctions.)

“Kung makakakuha ng sapat na ebidensya depende sa resulta ng investigation pwede file-an ng kaso yung mananagot,” Eleazar added.

(If there is enough evidence, depending on the result of the investigation, we can file a case against them.)

On Monday, the image of the Black Nazarene was reportedly put out for a religious procession as a call for help amid the coronavirus disease pandemic.

Eleazar said the procession had good intentions but it still caused people to gather.

“While it is true na maganda yung intention at nabanggit na nilagay sa karosa para iikot na lang pero ang nangyari siyempre kapag nilabas, magsusunuran ‘yan,” the police official said.

(While it is true that the procession has good intentions, placing the Black Nazarene on the carriage for it to go around the area, but what happened was it led people to follow it.)

Based on the photos circulating on social media, there was a group of devotees wearing face masks while following the Black Nazarene along Quiapo streets.

The government previously limited religious gatherings for 10 persons only despite reverting to a less strict general community quarantine in Metro Manila.

JE