Clark Freeport closes parks, limits bikers due to health protocol violators

CLARK FREEPORT—The state agency managing this American military base-turned-economic freeport in Pampanga has closed its parks and recreational facilities and prohibited all outdoor sports from Sept. 1 to 15 to prevent the COVID-19 spread.

The Clark Development Corp. (CDC) announced this on Aug. 29, calling it a public safety advisory.

It said it was part of the measures “in response to increasing numbers of violators of minimum health protocols inside the freeport.” Clark has at least 10 parks of various sizes.

The new Sacobia Bridge going to the New Clark City attracts about 50 bikers at any given time or some 20 early night diners, who bring their tables and chairs. But biking in Clark was also banned, except among workers.

At least 57 active cases and five new infections among CDC officials and employees were registered from Aug. 1 to 29, a report obtained by the Inquirer showed.

The public safety department that patrols the traffic, handles security, and prevents crimes, logged the highest number of cases at 17.

Authorities have arrested and charged 18,652 violators of safety protocols.

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