Barangay Captain Allan Franza and Homeowners Association President Don Brabante of Barangay Old Balara in Quezon City are facing investigation after allegedly failing to report public gatherings.
A total of 72 residents tested positive for the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) after attending a wedding and a drinking session.
Mayor Joy Belmonte ordered the City Legal Department to investigate the barangay official and all those involved in the said social gatherings.
"Napapansin natin na dumadami ang ganitong klaseng mga insidente (We notice that these kinds of incidents are on the rise). The spread could've been prevented but we see that some people, including persons in authority, have started to become lax in the enforcement and practice of minimum health protocols," Belmonte said.
"This should serve as a wake-up call for everyone to remain vigilant and wary of COVID-19. The virus is still very much in our environment and we are counting on everyone's cooperation," she added.
A show-cause order was issued to Franza by the City Legal Department asking him to explain why he should not be held criminally and administratively liable after the reported superspreader event.
According to City Legal Officer Attorney Orlando Paolo Casimiro, a complaint for violation of health protocols and permitting a social gathering beyond what is allowable by the IATF was filed against Brabante.
"If it will be proven that Mr. Brabante had approved the gathering and the drinking session that followed the wedding, failed to enforce our health and safety protocols, or report the same to the authorities as referenced by one of the index cases, then he may be held criminally liable pursuant to RULE VI, Section 2(h) of the IRR in relation to Section 9(d) of RA 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act. The same is true for Punong Barangay Franza," said Casimiro.
According to the City Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU), 72 tested positive out of 255 residents of Area 7.
The said residents were admitted to different HOPE facilities while others were isolated in their homes.
Five minors, one pregnant adult, and one senior citizen are currently under home quarantine.