CEBU, Philippines — The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LLCPO) is investigating the beach party held at a resort on the night of the city’s fiesta for alleged violations of health and safety protocols.
Mayor Junard Ahong Chan directed LLCPO to look into the event after a viral video showed people partying on the beach not wearing facemasks and disregarding social distancing protocol.
It was reportedly held at the Karancho Beach on the night of the fiesta celebration of the Nuestra Señora Virgen de la Regla on Saturday, November 20.
"Naa kunoy party sa Karancho na post sa Facebook. Clearly, ang violation ani nila sa minimum health standard protocol, sa IATF (Inter-agency task force) guidelines," said Police Colonel Arnel Banzon, LLCPO city director.
He said the management admitted it had difficulty controlling the crowd.
"Based sa report, gi-interview man ang management, they admitted nga daghang tawo and they weren't able to control the crowd,” he said.
"With the video and with the admission of the management, then clearly they violated the omnibus guidelines," he added.
He said the person who posted the video on Facebook will also be traced.
The city is under alert level 2.
But Banzon said this does not mean parties are already allowed.
"Kani balik-balikon nato og awhag ang mga tawo, I don't know kung wala ni sila kabalo or gahi ni sila ulo, pero kabalo sila nga wala pa mawala ang COVID," said Banzon. — KQD (FREEMAN)