In a memorandum order signed by Cagayan Gov. Manuel Mamba last May 28, Dunuan was given 48 hours to explain in writing the viral video and pictures circulating on social media showing her active participation in a gathering where she was seen dancing and surrounded by people who were not observing social distancing.
He noted that some of the participants, including the mayor, were not even wearing face masks.
Mamba said the event is “a blatant violation of the Omnibus Guidelines on the Implementation of the Community Quarantine set by the IATF.” The Cagayan governor noted that the mayor still allowed the social gathering despite knowledge that it is prohibited because Cagayan, including Baggao, is currently under Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) status due to the increasing number of active COVID-19 cases.
According to Mamba, it is expected that they, as public officers and leaders, should be the role models to their constituents.
“Being public officers, it is our duty to always set ourselves an example to our constituents so that they will follow our leads and ways. If we are the very ones violating the rules and regulations imposed in this time of pandemic, then we cannot expect them to faithfully follow protocols in defeat of our long and earnest battle against COVID-19 virus,” Mamba cited in the memorandum.
However, in a phone interview Sunday, Dunuan said she has not yet received the memorandum from Mamba, adding that the photos and videos being questioned were taken last year during the “People’s Day” in a coastal area in Sta. Margarita here.
“Hindi ko natanggap ang memo hanggang ngayon, at sa tingin ko last year pa ‘yang video na ‘yan, walang face mask dahil madali akong pagpawisan kaya tinanggal ko (I have not received the memo and that video was taken last year. I easily sweat so I removed my face mask),” Dunuan said.
This town ranks second behind Tuguegarao City with the most active cases of COVID-19 after logging 173 cases as of May 28, according to the Cagayan Provincial Information Office.