The Joint Task Force against the coronavirus disease by the Philippine National Police or PNP is now investigating the mass gathering event conducted by religious sect El Shaddai last December 26.
Joint Task Force COVID Shield chief Police Lieutenant General Cesar Hawthorne Binag said that health protocols were not observed during the religious gathering.
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“Investigation is ongoing in coordination with Parañaque City LGU,” Binag told GMA News.
Binag said that they the LGU told the church organizers to secure a permit first before conducting a mass gathering event.
“The city will require prior application for a permit to determine measures to implement minimum health standards to protect its constituents and the public against COVID-19,” he said.
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“Nagkaroon po sila ng overcrowding po doon, hindi naman ganoon kalaki kaya nga sinulatan po namin ‘yung administrator ng El Shaddai para magpaliwanag sila kasi in the past, before Christmas, okay naman ‘yung kanilang protocol eh,” Paranaque Mayor Edwin Olivarez said.
The mayor said that they were not informed about the religious event last December 26.
“Itong 26 na ito, hindi namin siya na-issue-han ng permit at hindi po kami nasabihan,” Olivarez said. (TDT)
