More than 20 men have been arrested for attending a baptismal party done at a cemetery on the eve of December 12.

Police Lt/. Col. John Guiagui, Sta. Cruz Police station chief at Manila, stated that an anonymous tip led their team to the Manila North Cemetery, where they caught 23 men celebrating and drinking at a public area.

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“Pagdating natin doon, nakita natin ang mga ito, nag-iinuman. Higit 20, nag-iinuman dahil pala ito ay binyag. But it is a violation doon sa revised Ordinance 5555, wherein they are drinking in a public place,” said Lt/. Col Guiagui in an interview with ABS-CBN News, who furthered that the men also violated social distancing and mask wearing guidelines.

Authorities learned that the organizer of the party lives at the Manila North Cemetery and that his guests come from different parts of Manila, including Tondo, Blumentritt, and Quiapo.

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The men now face charges of drinking at a public place and violations of health protocols against COVID-19 including social distancing and bans on mass gatherings.

Authorities remind the public to avoid organizing and attending parties especially in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.