COVID-19 positive mayor denies breaching health protocols

TUGUEGARAO – A municipal mayor in Cagayan, who tested positive for COVID, has denied reports that she breached health protocols by allegedly appearing in public without a facemask.

Baggao Mayor Joan Dunuan confirmed that she tested positive for COVID on Sunday.

Dunuan said the photographs circulating on social media showing her not wearing a face mask were old and taken when social gatherings were allowed.

On Friday, Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba ordered Dunuan to explain video footage and photographs showing the mayor dancing in a public gathering and without face mask circulated on social media.

Meanwhile, Baggao and some parts of Cagayan are under lockdown due to a surge in COVID cases.

A case of a South African variant was also recorded in Baggao, prompting Dunuan to lock down the municipal hall for disinfection.