Contacts of BFP personnel with COVID-19 in Iloilo test negative for coronavirus

ILOILO CITY –– All persons who had close contact or were near a COVID-19-positive Bureau of Fire Personnel (BFP) personnel, who went to Boracay Island, tested negative for the disease.

But the infected 26-year-old BFP personnel remains on quarantine at a facility in Iloilo City.

The local government unit of Malay in Aklan which has jurisdiction over Boracay reported that 55 persons placed on quarantine tested negative for COVID-19. They include five BFP personnel, 27 hotel staff, 14 boat passengers, and five boat crew.

Senior Supt. Jerry Candido, officer-in-charge of the BFP Western Visayas, said 197 BFP personnel under the regional office also tested negative for the disease.

The Department of Interior and Local Government earlier relieved 28 BFP personnel, including Western Visayas fire marshal Senior Supt. Roderick Aguto, for alleged breach of health protocols for allowing the infected BFP personnel to travel to Boracay from June 12 to 14 while waiting for the result of her COVID-19 test.

The BFP personnel are also facing allegations of holding a party on Boracay Island even before the island was reopened to tourists coming from Western Visayas.

Candido said a nine-member investigating team from the BFP central office was in Iloilo last week and proceeded to Malay, Aklan.

“We are waiting for the results of their investigation,” Candido told the INQUIRER in a phone interview.

He said he would recommend the temporary reshuffling of those facing investigation in regional posts while waiting for the investigation results.

“Those relieved include eight officers, and our operations could be crippled if they will not be given assignments,” he said.

LZB