QCPD clears Pumaren in ‘super spreader’ event

MANILA, Philippines — The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) has cleared Councilor Franz Pumaren of any health protocol violations during his food distribution drive in Barangay Old Balara last week, the city government said yesterday.

In a report from the Batasan police station, investigators said Pumaren coordinated his community pantry with police and the barangay chairman to ensure that COVID-19 protocols were followed.

The QCPD said at least 97 people, including 11 policemen and 50 staff members from Pumaren’s office, enforced minimum health standards.

“Considering the number of attendees, it looked like there was a violation of social distancing measures if pictures or videos were taken,” the report said.

While the community pantry attracted more than 6,000 residents, the QCPD noted that health protocols such as wearing of masks and face shields were strictly implemented.

The QCPD said the activity ended up orderly.

Testing for COVID-19 began yesterday among those who attended the event.

Last week, Mayor Joy Belmonte issued a show-cause order on Pumaren, who is the city council’s majority floor leader, to explain what happened at the event.

City Hall said Belmonte’s move was “consistent with the local government’s policy of going after violators of health protocols regardless of status or position.”

The mayor warned Quezon City residents, including officials, that they would be prosecuted if they are found violating quarantine rules.

Belmonte made the warning as she cited Juancho Ysores, president of Phase 3 homeowners’ association in Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon, who was slapped with criminal charges over the pool parties and drinking sessions in the community from May 9 to 11.

Ysores is facing a complaint for violating Republic Act 11332 before the city prosecutor’s office.

The city’s Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit reported that 55 residents have tested positive for COVID-19 after attending the parties.

The city legal department is also looking into the possible liability of Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon chairman Feliciano de la Cruz.

Belmonte said QCPD director Brig. Gen. Antonio Yarra informed her that the police is wrapping up its probe on the alleged health protocol violations during the community pantry organized by actress Angel Locsin in April.

Police have identified the organizers of the pantry, who were issued ordinance violation receipts for breaking local laws on minimum health standards.

The family of senior citizen Rolando Cruz, who died of a heart attack during the community pantry, had refused to file criminal charges against Locsin, according to the QCPD.