Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Eduardo Año relieved Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 Director Fire Senior Superintendent Roderick Aguto from his post after one of his staff has violated the quarantine protocol in Boracay while waiting for his Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) test result which turned out to be positive.
DILG Secretary Año designated Fire Senior Superintendent Jerry Candido as Officer-in-Charge of the BFP Region 6.
According to Sec. Año, the DILG will not tolerate the mindless action of BFP personnel and reminded that the government officials must be a good example especially in times of crisis.
The BFP National Headquarters ordered a special investigation task group to probe the BFP personnel who violated the quarantine protocol along with 27 more who were with him in Boracay on June 12 until June 14.
The Malay local government unit (LGU) is dismayed over the incident since it has affected the gradual re-opening of Boracay for tourists from Western Visayas on June 16. Malay, Aklan Mayor Frolibar Bautista confirmed that the BFP personnel and his company attended a party.
According to Mayor Bautista, there are currently 58 individuals who in quarantine due to their exposure to the group.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) revoked the license of the hotel where the BFP personnel stayed. DOT Secretary Bernadette Puyat also gave the assurance that health regulations are being strictly implemented for the safety of tourists. The Malay LGU stated that Boracay remains safe despite the incident and its gradual re-opening will push through.
Report from Patrick De Jesus
