Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 26) – The city council of Caloocan has recommended a 60-day preventive suspension against a barangay official for his supposed failure to impose health protocols in a resort, which led to at least 20 COVID-19 cases.
Barangay 171 chairman Romeo Rivera is currently facing administrative charges for the illegal operation of the Gubat sa Ciudad resort, which accommodated over 500 guests, amid the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.
“The complainants further alleged that incumbent Punong Barangay Romeo I. Rivera failed to fully and faithfully discharge his functions as Punong Barangay in the face of the open, flagrant, and continuous violation of the IATF Omnibus Guidelines which lead and/or contributed to the May 9, 2021 spreader event,” the resolution read.
“Now therefore, be it resolved as it is hereby resolved, by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, in its regular session duly assembled, to recommend the imposition of preventive suspension for sixty days on Punong Barangay Romeo I. Rivera of Barangay 171,” it added.
Caloocan City Mayor Oscar Malapitan has since ordered the closure of the resort. The local government has so far traced 217 guests, authorities said.
