PNP chief calls for Investigation following Quarantine Breach in Makati Hotel

On December 31st PNP Chief, General Dionardo Carlos, instructed the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) to file a complaint against the woman accused of violating quarantine protocols in Makati City.

Carlos stated that the order was released on Thursday, December 30th, based on the instructions of Interior Secretary Eduardo Año and Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles. Furthermore, he has called for the investigation and filing of appropriate criminal charges against anyone found violating the law.

The investigation will include the hotel management allegedly paid by the woman and the Burea of Quarantine personnel supposedly involved.

The woman allegedly availed of an “absentee” quarantine by paying the facility to avoid isolation. She then tested positive for COVID-19, as did several companions at a party she attended. The DOT has admitted that the woman skipped quarantine and has also identified the Hotel where she was meant to isolate.

The hotel in question was the Berjaya Makati Hotel and it is now under a separate probe from the department.

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra reported that this case “may be an opportune time to try” Republic Act No. 11332. The act mandates the cooperation of everyone in a public health crisis. However, its use to arrest and charge simple violations was met with disapproval by human rights lawyers.

Guevarra has also admitted that the act may not be the most appropriate law to use and has since advised the use of ordinances.

“There could have been a major violation of ordinances requiring strict observance, under pain of penalties, of quarantine regulations for international travelers, not only on the part of the person concerned but also of those who might have knowingly cooperated with her in committing such violation,” he said.

According to Carlos, police “will do the rounds, inspection, and accounting of persons under quarantine in the designated hotels-quarantine facilities.” This is to ensure the stricter compliance of quarantine protocols following the incident.

Source: Rappler