POLICE are set to press charges against a pastor who was arrested Sunday, April 5, for holding a church service with 500 attendees amid the community quarantine.

Pastor Alfred Caslam, founder of Word of God Spirit and Life Ministries, was nabbed at the church on Capistrano Street, Cagayan de Oro City after holding its Sunday worship service despite warnings from police.

Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) spokesperson Antonio Resma said the church has been warned twice but they continue to hold the church service with members, which include children and minors.

Caslam will be charged with violation of the executive order on social distancing measures, violation of Article 151 of the Revised Penal Code or disobedience to authorities, and Section 9 (d) of Republic Act 11332 or the Act on policies in the event of an epidemic.

The establishment has been padlocked by the City Government.