BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental, Philippines – A store that went on sale over the weekend in the southern city of Himamaylan closed down after the local government coordinated with it over the weekend.
Himamaylan Mayor Raymund Tongson told DNX the management of Prince Hypermart decided to close around noontime Sunday after residents flocked outside the store and lined up without the appropriate social distance mandated by health protocols.
A video from one of the city’s physician, Kaye Marie Yap, showed people clumping in the morning to avail of the “One Day Big Discount” promo.
Tongson said City Hall had deployed police, traffic enforcers, and Bantay Bayan members outside the retail store located at the Himamaylan Market Place in Poblacion II in the city around 80 kilometers from here.
“There were just so many people,” Tongson said in Hiligaynon in a text message to DNX.
To avoid the further gathering of residents, the store decided to just close before lunchtime, he added.
