A day after after warning penitents against pursuing their penitence during the Lenten Season, the Angeles City Police arrested seven individuals six of them minors on Thursday morning after they were caught carrying crosses along the McArthur Highway.
PCapt. Agnes B. Nolasco said tattoo artist Merwin Cardenonza, 19 years old, of 365 Quezon New Valley., Mt. View, Barangay Balibago; and six minor who were not identified were arrested by elements of the Police Station 6.
Another companion of those arrested identified as Richard Tolentino, 19 years old eluded arrest when he sped off aboard a tricycle.
Nolasco said elements of Police Station 6 chanced upon the penitents near the Abacan Bridge who were on their way to the business district of Balibago. This, despite the cancellation of Holy Week activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The group said their companion, Tolentino, convinced them to proceed on their penitence. Tolentino even told them he will take full responsibility if they will be apprehended by lawmen.
The group were taken to Police Station 6 with their crosses. Appropriate charges are being readied against them for violating the ECQ.
The ACPO said they are awaiting the decision of the local court if the ECQ violators will be turned over either to the Department of Social Welfare and Development, the barangay or to their respective parents.