Government agencies are ready to file a case against a returning overseas Filipino who allegedly violated protocols and partied in Makati before the end of her quarantine period.
According to Bureau of Quarantine Director Dr. Roberto Salvador, a complaint has been prepared where his bureau and the Department of Health are the complainants.
The Philippine National Police is also ready to file a case with the help of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in connection with the incident.
Based on interviews with Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and Interior Secretary Eduardo Año, Gwyneth Ann Chua arrived in the country on December 22.
Chua checked in at the Berjaya Hotel in Makati for quarantine, but on December 23, the woman allegedly went out to attend a party in Poblacion.
According to Puyat, there is enough evidence to prove that Chua came out of quarantine.
“‘Yong mga nakasama ng taong ‘yon, they have signed affidavits na kasama nila ‘yong taong ‘yon. There are pictures,” said Puyat.
On December 26, Chua underwent a swab test, and the next day she tested positive for COVID-19. As a result, she was transferred to the quarantine facility on Dec. 29.
“Imposible dahil nakita sa CCTV na nasa labas. Ang tanong na lang [ay] pinayagan ba siyang lumabas, may binayaran ba, or tumakas si Miss Chua on her own,” Puyat said.
Charges being prepared vs. Gwyneth Ann Chua for violating protocols
Gwyneth Ann Chua also admitted to the violation, Puyat said.
Contact tracing will continue to determine the number of those exposed to Chua.
According to Año, they received information that Chua had met people who also tested positive for COVID-19.
The DOT also investigates reports of “absentee quarantine” allegedly being sold in some hotel quarantine facilities.
The Department of Tourism (DOT) has issued a show-cause order against Berjaya Hotel to clarify this.
Berjaya’s response to the DOT said Gwyneth Ann Chua was quarantined at the facility.
But Año denied the hotel’s statement.
“May mga kaso na naririnig kami, na binabayaran daw ang hotel tapos kunwari naka-quarantine tapos babalik na lang on the 5th day tapos magpapa-swab,” said Puyat.
Puyat warned that a person’s negligence could have a far-reaching impact under a pandemic.
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