Authorities issued a temporary ban on picture-taking at Manila Bay Sands, the dolomite “white sand beach” at Manila Bay after visitors failed to observe physical distancing when the destination was opened to the public over the weekend.
Jonathan Andal reported Unang Balita on Monday that police officers were strategically deployed in areas near the Manila Bay Sands, including the nearby footbridge, where onlookers typically take photos.
Authorities said people could still use the footbridge, but they are not allowed to stop and take pictures of the white sand beach. The same rule applies along the Baywalk area, the report said.
On Saturday, the Manila Bay white sand beach was temporarily opened to the public. As a result, many people showed up but failed to observed physical distancing and were not wearing face shields.
The incident resulted in the chief of Ermita Police’s removal from his post for his station’s failure to impose social distancing during protocols during the opening of the Manila Bay Sands over the weekend.
The Ermita Police supposedly covers the controversial “white sand beach” nourishment project along Manila Bay.
Picture-taking temporarily banned at Manila Bay Sands
Joint Task Force COVID Shield said PNP chief Police General Camilo Cascolan was the one who decided to relieve Caramoan from his post after failing to control the crowd during the Manila white sand beach opening.
The task force added that Caramoan “should have taken the initiative in planning and implementing strict security and health safety measures for the opening” of Manila Bay white beach since he was the area commander.
Caramoan “could have prevented the quarantine protocol violations at the Manila Bay if there were prior planning and regular monitoring of the situation in the area,” it added.
“Clearly, he also failed to comply with the JTF COVID Shield order that was coordinated with the Chief PNP for all police commanders to monitor and immediately take action on violations of the quarantine protocols that are going viral in the social media,” the task force said.
The Manila Bay Sands is part of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources’ (DENR) P389-million Manila Bay beautification project.