DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) warned protesters in the city that they will face arrest should they conduct rallies in the wake of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

DCPO Director Police Colonel Kirby John Kraft said Sunday, June 7, although the city has already transitioned to general community quarantine, a mass gathering is still prohibited as strict public health measures are still in place to prevent the spread of the virus.

“They will be arrested for violation of the prohibition of mass gatherings and [will be] charged in court,” Kraft said.

Even if the protesters are observing social distancing, Kraft said a mass protest is a violation of quarantine protocols implemented in the city.

Kraft, however, said they have not reported any demonstrations in the city yet.

Mass protests were conducted in various areas in the country against the 2020 Anti-Terrorism Act as they believe it is prone to abuse of power and will stifle government critics.

On Friday, June 5, eight protesters were apprehended by police authorities at the University of the Philippines Cebu campus in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City for conducting a mass protest against the passage of the Anti-Terror Bill.

Authorities reminded the public on the safety protocols and further urged their cooperation in an effort to flatten the curve especially that the number of positive cases is still increasing.