Viral ‘karakol’ procession probed

A team of investigators were sent to General Trias in Cavite to conduct a thorough investigation on the “karakol” procession which went viral in the social media for blatant violations of quarantine rules amid the threat of the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) spokesman Jonathan Malaya said the investigators were instructed by DILG Secretary Eduardo Año to investigate the incident and determine who is responsible so that formal administrative and criminal charges can be brought against them.

“From the video we have seen, all of the minimum health standards and BIDA behaviors were violated by the participants. We will get to the bottom of the incident and determine who are those responsible,” said Malaya.

The “karakol” occurred along Arnaldo Highway, Barangay Santiago, Gen. Trias, Cavite last July 25.

In a viral video circulating on social media, hundreds of residents were seen attending the illegal karakol procession without using face masks, face shields, and violating the social distancing regulations even if Cavite is under the general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions.

Karakol is a religious dance procession held on the eve of the feast day of the patron saint of a particular town.

Malaya noted that the barangay captain, who reportedly allowed and even participated in the event reportedly had apologized “but no apology will be enough for his illegal act and for risking public health and safety in General Trias.’’