Duterte orders arrest of barangay captains for failing to stop mass gatherings

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the arrest of barangay captains who fail to prevent mass gatherings in their areas of jurisdiction.

Barangay captains will be held liable for dereliction of duty if they do not enforce the ban on parties, picnics, and other mass gatherings.

The Department of Justice (DOJ) clarified that these potential arrests are covered by existing sanctions.

DOJ Undersecretary Emmeline Aglipay-Villar stated that such failures may fall under dereliction of duty in the Revised Penal Code.

This could also be penalized under Section 6(a) of the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act, which imposes imprisonment or fines on LGU officials who disobey national government directives.

PNP chief Police General Guillermo Eleazar clarified that arrests and complaints will be filed against those who fail to prevent mass gatherings, with warrantless arrests possible only if caught in the act of violating health protocols.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año vowed that barangay captains would face arrest and suspension for failing to stop mass gathering activities.

Año urged barangay captains to coordinate with the police and local officials in monitoring mass gatherings.