Bantayan escapade: Results of PNP probe now under DILG review

CEBU, Philippines —  Results of the Philippine National Police’s fact-finding investigation into the alleged quarantine protocol violations during the Suroy-Suroy SMB Escapade in Bantayan Island is now being reviewed by the legal service of the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said he already received the report from Police Regional Office-7 regarding the incident on November 27, 2020 where Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque was among the attendees.

Año said that aside from the Bantayan Island incident, another fact-finding report that is also under review is the Agoncillo, Batangas event on November 26, 2020 attended by Senator Manny Pacquiao.

Earlier, Año instructed the police to conduct an investigation into the two separate incidents for alleged violations of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) health protocols.

“We have received the PNP’s investigation report and this is currently under review by our DILG Legal Service,” said Año in a statement.

According to PRO-7’s report, only four confirmed COVID-19 cases were recorded in Bantayan Island, Cebu during the incident and that no increase in the number was recorded after the gathering.

The PNP report also stated that during the kick-off ceremony at Madridejos attended by Roque among other government officials, the Palace spokesperson emphasized the importance of observing physical distancing and other health standards.

It added that the rain also caused the audience to look for shelter, thus breaching physical distancing protocol. But, Roque and the other local officials were able to control the situation by advising the audience to return home and leave the venue.

"The findings of the PNP are currently under review. We assure the public that the Department will continue to remind both national LGU officials to abide with the health protocols to prevent further transmission of the virus," Año said.

Año also reminded all government officials to always set the example in following health protocols as well as abide by PNP recommendations to prevent the occurrence of similar incidents.

“The PNP suggested the use of gymnasium and sports complexes for similar events and avoid crowding by advising those denied entry to the activity to go home as well as putting physical barriers to strictly observe social distancing,” he said.

The PNP also recommended for organizers to determine the total number of participants prior to the event and to install a clear and robust public announcement system to constantly remind the crowd of the observance of minimum health standards. — FPL (FREEMAN)