Malacañang confirmed that the Philippine National Police (PNP) has the authority to arrest individuals not properly wearing face masks in public spaces.
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque explained that such an act constitutes an offense, allowing for a warrantless arrest as per Rule 113, Section 5 of the Rules of Court.
This clarification followed President Rodrigo Duterte's directive for the PNP to apprehend and investigate those who fail to comply with mask-wearing protocols.
Roque cited Article 125 of the Revised Penal Code, stating that health protocol violators can be detained for up to 12 hours if the offense is punishable by light penalties.
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