Quiapo procession probed for protocol violations

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila Police District (MPD) is looking into possible quarantine violations committed by organizers and participants of the Black Nazarene “motorcade” procession in Quiapo, Manila, on Monday afternoon.

Police Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, head of the Joint Task Force COVID Shield, said they would impose sanctions should there be proven violations of the task force guidelines.

On Monday, the image of the Black Nazarene was brought out and paraded by around 300 devotees via motorcade after the 12:15 Mass at the Minor Basilica of the Black Nazarene (Quiapo church).

Lt. Col. John Guiagui, MPD station 3 commander, said the groups violated the prohibition against mass gathering and failed to obtain a permit from the Manila Police. —Jodee A. Agoncillo