Cyclists penalized in Valenzuela City for ECQ violation

 

Three cyclists ended up in Valenzuela City's re-packing center after they were apprehended on Monday afternoon for going outside their house in violation of the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) in Luzon.

 

Valenzuela City Mayor Rex Gatchalian said six other cyclists were also apprehended but were turned over to the police after they were found to be residents of Quezon City. They are still looking for one other cyclist.

 

Gatchalian said the apprehended cyclists were no longer brought to jail since they were minors and were sent instead to the city's repacking center. Their bikes were also confiscated and will be returned only after the ECQ is lifted.

 

“We sent them to our child protection unit for evaluation, of which the evaluation consent was to make them volunteer in the repacking area.  They will be working in the repacking center for the duration of the ECQ and their parents agree,” Gatchalian said.

 

Before he was apprehended, one of the cyclists boasted on Facebook that he finally had a chance to sneak out of their house and bike his way to Manila Bay despite the ECQ in Luzon.

 

“Good morning, guys! Ngayon lang ulit nakapag-bike. Practice lang muna dito sa Mindanao Avenue habang maraming nagbaba-bike. Ingat sa amin,” one Facebook user added.

 

Gatchalian issued an online warning against cyclists and others who may also be tempted to go outside. He reminded everyone that unnecessary loitering is a violation of ECQ rules.

Gatchalian's post made the rounds online. It was shared more than 3,000 times and received  more than 9,000 reactions and over 1,500 comments.