Authorities closed down the Gubat sa Ciudad Resort in Caloocan City and arrested a barangay captain for a blatant violation of the quarantine rules that went viral in the social media.
Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said the quick and stern response of the government in Caloocan City should serve as a reminder and warning to all LGUs (local government units) in line with DILG Memo Circular 2021-050 regarding the directives on the roles of LCEs (local chief executives) in the implementation of minimum public health standards especially on the prohibition against public or mass gathering.
On Sunday, May 9, photos of people swimming in the pool went viral prompting Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malipitan to order the shutdown of the resort.
“I have been talking with Caloocan LGU led by Mayor Malapitan. So far, the mayor has done all appropriate actions to check the situation,’’ he added.
The DILG chief also disclosed that the Caloocan City government will file cases against the barangay officials and the concerned violators regarding the Gubat sa Ciudad Resort incident.
“The PNP is working closely with Caloocan LGU on the ongoing investigation and subsequent filing of cases,’’ Año said.
When confronted with the “nalusutan kami (caught off guard)’’ alibi, Año said he will have none of that lame excuse as many vehicles owned by the patrons were parked adjacent to the location of the resort.
The PNP is working closely with Caloocan LGU on the ongoing investigation and subsequent filing of cases with contact tracing and testing being conducted to address any possible transmission of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
On May 9, Año said that LCEs will face charges for dereliction of duty if they fail to enforce the prohibition or limitation on mass gatherings in the midst of the pandemic as directed by President Duterte.
He stressed that the local government units (LGUs) have a critical role in enforcing mass gathering regulations as they are nearer to their constituencies compared to the national government.’