By Pearl Gumapos
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte warned residents on Sunday against planning and participating in large social gatherings that may cause coronavirus outbreaks in the city.
Belmonte said all who will be caught disobeying guidelines and ordinances on social gatherings will be issued an ordinance violation receipt (OVR) and may be sued pursuant to Republic Act 11332.
“Kailangan pa rin ng ibayong pag-iingat at paghihigpit dahil nananatili pa rin ang peligrong hatid ng COVID-19 sa paligid,” she said.
According to the press release, the Mayor issued the statement after an improvised pool party and drinking session at Barangay Nagkaisang Nayon became a superspreader event where COVID was transmitted to 51 of its residents.
According to the report by the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU), a total of 610 residents were swabbed as a result of this superspreader, and among these, 18 are still awaiting their results while 31 are already admitted in several of the city’s HOPE facilities.
Meanwhile, the mayor designated the city’s legal department to investigate the concerned barangay officials and to find out if they failed to carry out their responsibilities.
Pursuant to Section 481.B.3.IV of the Local Government Code and following the directive of the mayor, the legal department has issued a show-cause order to the Punong Barangay.
“We will investigate the local officials for possible administrative neglect or misconduct,” said City Legal Officer Attorney Orlando Paolo Casimiro.
Furthermore, Belmonte urged residents to report similar violations of quarantine protocols to the local government.
“We encourage the public to take photos and videos whenever possible, and report to us by calling our Hotline 122. We assure them that we will take swift action as this is a matter of protecting the health and safety of the whole city,” said Belmonte. –rir
