ILOILO City – Public display of affection (PDA) such as hugging, kissing and holding hands violates the physical distancing health protocol being imposed to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), according to the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
Therefore, “mag-asawa, magnobyo, basta ara sa public places doing PDA, we would be calling them out,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Joem Malong, PRO-6 spokesperson.
She played down adverse public reactions to the PDA ban.
“This shouldn’t even be an issue because this prohibition is already embedded or part sang social distancing protocol,” Malong stressed.
The physical distancing protocol also has no exemptions, she added.
In ordering the PDA ban, Malong said, the PNP was just enforcing guidelines meant to curb COVID-19.
“There would be no apprehensions, kundi i-approach lang sang PNP kag i-remind nga mag-social distancing,” she added.
Should the couple remain adamant, Malong said they may face a charge for being disobedient to authorities.
“Naga-appeal kami nga we really have to stick to the health protocols para malikawan ang pagtaas sang infection,” Malong added.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Ildebrandi Usana on Wednesday said couples – even close friends or family members – should eschew PDA to prevent the spread COVID-19.
The directive covers acts such as kissing, embracing, and holding hands in public.
Earlier, the Commission on Human Rights in Region 6 questioned the PNP’s legal as well as scientific basis for the said protocol./PN