Ex-barangay exec, son face raps for violation of QC quarantine rules

MANILA, Philippines — A former barangay official in Quezon City and his son, who is infected with COVID-19, will face criminal complaints because they allegedly violated the community quarantine health protocols, the local government said Tuesday.

Quezon City Barangay Community Relations Department head Ricky Corpuz said the former barangay kagawad or councilman, whose name was withheld, interacted with neighbors despite being a suspected virus carrier.

“Napag-alaman natin na pasaway itong dating opisyal na ito dahil lumabas at nakisalamuha pa siya sa mga kapitbahay kahit na naghihintay sila ng resulta ng anak niyang nagpa-swab test,” Barangay Community Relations Department head Ricky Corpuz said in a statement.

(We just found out that this man did not follow rules because he went outside of his home and even interacted with his neighbors even as results of his and his son’s swab test are yet released.)

Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said the son tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, the coronavirus that causes COVID-19, after having a drinking session with a COVID-19-infected individual. This, she noted, prompted the local government to enforce a total lockdown of the former barangay kagawad’s family home.

“The family has been ordered to undergo quarantine while waiting for the result of their swab tests, but he failed to comply,” Belmonte said in a statement.

The Quezon City Public Information Office said in a text message that the lockdown will take effect for 14 days but it could extend depending on authorities’ recommendations.

Quezon City Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit (CESU) chief Dr. Rolly Cruz identified 15 close contacts of the patients who will also undertake swab tests.

CESU will also closely monitor the condition of the 26 families living in the area, Cruz said.

The former barangay official and his son will face a case for violation of Ordinance No. SP-2958 S-2020, which cites penalties for violation of community quarantine protocols.

The city government said violators may also face complaints about violating the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

Under the ordinance, lockdown violators will pay a fine of P1,000 for the first offense, P3,000 for the second offense, and P5,000 for the third offense.