By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Several Bacolod City government officials were furious after learning that a party was held last Friday at the Art District in Bacolod City’s Barangay Mandalagan.

Such events are still strictly forbidden due to the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, pandemic.

In a viral video posted online, several people were spotted partying, most of whom were not wearing face masks and face shields and failed to observe social distancing.

In an interview with Bombo Radyo-Bacolod over the weekend, City Administrator Em Ang said the city government will investigate the incident and will hold the organizers liable for violating the city’s ordinance on the use of face masks and face shields when in public places.

The organizers have also allegedly violated the liquor ban, since the selling of liquor is available from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. only.

Ang also said they are forwarding details of the incident to regional and local offices of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, while the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office has visited the establishments in the Art District.

Meanwhile, Police Station 3 commander, Police Captain Richard Fajarito, said they immediately broke up the party after receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens and warned the establishments to stop serving alcoholic beverages.

Fajarito also noted that when they arrived, most of the party goers were allegedly minors.

The police commander also reminded restaurants and bars in his area that since Bacolod City is still under the general community quarantine (GCQ), they are only allowed to serve alcoholic beverages from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. and mass gatherings are strictly prohibited./DGB, WDJ