MALOLOS CITY -- Police arrested Sunday, April 19, six members of Anakpawis for allegedly violating the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
The arrested suspects were on board a green jitney bound for Kalye 11, Barangay Bigte in Norzagaray, Bulacan. They were flagged down by authorities at the checkpoint when they tried to pass through without presenting any pertinent documents.
“Norzagaray police personnel manning the checkpoint inspected the jitney and found 50 food packs and anti-government propaganda materials,” Police Regional Director Rhodel Sermonia said.
Further information revealed that two of them are reportedly students from the Polytechnic University of the Philippines who were allegedly lured by other Anakpawis members to join in their purported relief operations.
A case for violation of Republic Act 11469 otherwise known as the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act is being prepared against suspects wherein penalties include imprisonment of two months or a fine of ranging from PhP10,000 to 1 million or both.
Meanwhile, the relief packs were later turned over to Barangay Bigte officer-in-charge Rose Cappa.
“While it is true that the spirit of bayanihan should prevail in this time of crisis, it should be done without malice but purely out of generosity and compassion to our fellowmen,” Police Brigadier General Sermonia said.
“We continue to remain relentless in our campaign against terrorism and insurgency aside from our multiple efforts to help contain the widespread of coronavirus disease,” he added. (PIA-Central Luzon)