In his weekly address, Duterte said barangay captains are committing the crime of dereliction of duty for allowing superspreader events to happen in their villages.
"Kayong mga barangay captain, do you know that you have committed a crime of dereliction of duty? Tingnan ninyo sa Revised Penal Code, magkonsulta kayo ng abogado. Talagang ang unang ipakulong ko 'yung barangay captain, having committed the crime of dereliction of duty under the Revised Penal Code," Duterte said.
“If there’s one single incident beginning tonight, the police will just arrest the barangay captain first and bring him to the station together with those holding the picnic, have them investigated and detain them,” he added.
"'Pag naulit pa ito, ang unang hulihin ang barangay captain. Kasi 'pag nangyari ito, ibig sabihin you gave the permission. That is the presumption. Kung hindi ka nagbigay ng permiso, hindi mangyayari 'yan."
His stern warning came following the "superspreader" event in Quezon City wherein 55 individuals tested positive for coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
Earlier this month, a resort in Caloocan City has been ordered closure after photos and videos of people, including children, swimming in its pool went viral on social media.
It was later reported that the resort hosted a celebration for Mother’s Day on Sunday despite the city being under strict quarantine protocols.
In a statement, Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año reported a rise in mass gatherings such as picnics and parties despite the community quarantine implementation.
"Hindi naman talaga krimen na may ginawa kayo but most of you are committing a crime kasi alam ninyo na after a gathering, after swimming together, a lot you will get positive na for COVID-19," Duterte continued.
According to Duterte, it is considered a crime to spread coronavirus to other people.
"Binabalewala ninyo ang pakiusap ng gobyerno, and it's criminal for you to get the COVID and pass it on to another innocent person. It is really a crime," he said.
"Ipakulong ko kayo. I will look for a suitable law because you are now forcing my hand to get into this thing and control it. Ayaw ninyo magpasaway eh. Iyan ang problema ko," Duterte added.
