QC village execs face probe after wedding causes 72 coronavirus cases
MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City government has launched a probe into a barangay captain and homeowners association president after they allegedly failed to prohibit nor subsequently report a public gathering and a drinking session that led to the transmission of the coronavirus to 72 residents.
In a statement, the Quezon City local government disclosed that Mayor Joy Belmonte directed the City Legal Department to investigate Brgy. Captain Allan Franza and Homeowners Association President Don Brabante, as well as all those involved in the superspreader event.
Based on the report by the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit, a total of 255 residents of Area 7, Matandang Balara was swabbed, yielding 72 who were confirmed positive.
"We've noticed that incidents like this one are increasing. The spread could've been prevented but we see that some people, including persons in authority, have started to become lax in the enforcement and practice of minimum health protocols," said Belmonte.
"This should serve as a wake-up call for everyone to remain vigilant and wary of COVID-19. The virus is still very much in our environment and we are counting on everyone's cooperation."
City Legal Officer Attorney Orlando Casimiro added in the statement that his office has issued a show-cause order to Brgy. Chairman Franza asking him to explain why he should not be held criminally and administratively liable due to the reported superspreader event.
Meanwhile, a complaint for violation of health protocols and permitting a social gathering beyond what is allowable under the omnibus guidelines of the government's coronavirus task force was filed against Brabante.
"If it will be proven that Mr. Brabante had approved the gathering and the drinking session that followed the wedding, failed to enforce our health and safety protocols, or report the same to the authorities as referenced by one of the index cases, then he may be held criminally liable...The same is true for Punong Barangay Franza,” said Casimiro.
The city lawyer added that the barangay officials could see violations of Rule VI, Section 2(h) of the implementing rules and regulations in relation to Section 9(d) of Republic Act No. 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.
Under the rule, "Communities, including household members, the punong barangay, barangay health emergency response teams, homeowners’ associations, indigenous people communities, cooperatives, and community-based organizations," are required to accurately and immediately report notifiable diseases and health events of public health concern.
"Most of our patients are currently admitted in different HOPE facilities while there are others isolated in their homes. Among those who are put under home quarantine are five minors, one pregnant adult, and one senior citizen," said CESU Chief Dr. Rolando Cruz.
To date, 1.27 million cases of the coronavirus have been recorded in the Philippines, 59,337 of whom are still classified as active cases.
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Disclosure: Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte is a shareholder of Philstar Global Corp., which operates digital news outlet Philstar.com. This article was produced following editorial guidelines.
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