4 village execs in QC, Caloocan in hot water for allegedly violating ECQ protocols (Sabong News)
Author
Robie de Guzman
Date
APRIL 14 2020
1148
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Tuesday said it has issued show-cause orders to several barangay officials who are accused of violating protocols of the enhanced community quarantine against COVID-19.
In a statement, the DILG said the show cause orders were issued to Leny Leticia Glivano, chairperson of Barangay Libis in Quezon City, and chairman Brix John Reyes and councilmen Romualdo Reyes and John Cris Domingo of Barangay 129 in Caloocan for violation of physical distancing measures and the prohibition of mass gatherings during the Luzon-wide quarantine.
Glivano allegedly organized a parade in her area last April 9, and was said to be involved in illegal cockfighting that went viral on social media.
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año said the parade is considered a mass gathering which is strictly prohibited and banned during ECQ.
“Ang parada sa Barangay Libis ay nagdulot ng paglabas ng maraming tao at pagkumpulan sa kalye. Nabalewala nito ang strict physical distancing na puwedeng magdala ng panganib ng virus sa maraming tao,” Año said.
The DILG chief said Glivano’s action was a complete disregard of the Memorandum from the Executive Secretary dated March 13, 2020, and DILG Advisory dated March 14, 2020, that listed guidelines on how to manage the COVID-19 crisis.
Glivano has been ordered to explain in 72 hours why she should not be charged with an administrative or criminal case.
The DILG likewise asked the above-mentioned Caloocan village executives to explain their alleged involvement in illegal cockfighting at the Manila North Cemetery on April 11, 2020.
“Inaasahan natin na ang mga barangay officials ang katuwang ng national government sa pagpapatupad ng enhanced community quarantine pero mayroong iba na sila pa ang pasimuno ng sabong sa kanilang lugar. Mananagot sila sa batas,” Año said.
Under Section 5.1.1 of DILG Memo Circular dated March 21, 2020, “all LGUs are charged with the promotion of health and safety within their jurisdictions. As such, they are to take the lead in the prevention and control of the spread of COVID-19 at the local level.”
In Section 5.1.9 of the same DILG MC, the LGUs are mandated to enforce the prohibition of mass gatherings.
“As social distancing is enforced to combat the further spread of COVID-19, mass gatherings shall be strictly deterred by the LGUs,” the DILG said.
The department said it is now coordinating with the National Bureau of Investigation for the possible filing of criminal charges against these barangay officials.
As of April 14, 2020, there are 5.223 confirmed COVID-19 cases in the Philippines with 335 deaths and 295 recovered patients.
In the National Capital Region, Quezon City ranks first, while Caloocan 10th with the most number of confirmed coronavirus cases.
