Probers present more witnesses vs ‘Poblacion Girl’

MANILA, Philippines — Police have presented more witnesses to strengthen the complaint against Gwyneth Anne Chua, also known as “Poblacion Girl,” who allegedly breached COVID quarantine protocols at the Berjaya Makati Hotel last December.

The witnesses were sworn in during the preliminary investigation at the Makati prosecutor’s office on Monday.

An insider who spoke on condition of anonymity said among the witnesses is an employee of the Mijo Comfort Food, where Chua had dinner with her companions who were unaware that she was supposed to be under quarantine at the hotel.

Another witness is a resident in the same barangay in Caloocan City where Chua resides. Three more witnesses were presented during the hearing,
according to the source.

Chua did not attend the preliminary investigation. She was represented by her lawyer.

The Makati prosecutor’s office set another hearing on March 7.

Chua and eight others were charged by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group for violating Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

The other respondents are Chua’s parents, her boyfriend and five employees of the Berjaya Hotel.