Just because numerous
restrictions in place throughout the country on account of preventing the
spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus have been gradually relaxing over the past
several weeks, does not mean the overall atmosphere is completely relaxed now. One
needs only look at the constantly updated numbers of confirmed cases of
COVID-19 in the Philippines to understand the gravity of consequences for those
who risk flouting the long-established health and safety protocols. Depending
on where a mistake took place, the perpetrators could see some heavy-handedness
from the local governments if they disregard the global pandemic’s presence in
the nation.
It is therefore not surprise as
according to The Philippine Star the
provincial government of Ilocos Sur gave the courtesy equivalent of a shoo to
three comedians that recently visited the area and refused to follow
regulations on traveler quarantine. Gene Padilla, Long Mejia and Dagul were all
declared “persona non grata” in the province by order of Ilocos Sur governor
Ryan Luis Singson as a result of their entering without advance notice and not
hewing to the local health and safety protocols for COVID.
The report goes that Mejia, Dagul
and Padilla tried to enter Ilocos Sur on Sunday, July 19, which was problematic
as they did not advise the LGU of their intention to hold a show without
government sanction at the municipality of Santo Domingo. When they were
accosted at the provincial border checkpoint the three comedy actors also
failed to abide by mandatory quarantine period for all who would enter Ilocos
Sur, even going so far as to attempt running past the checkpoint, at which
point they were arrested. A case was filed by the Santo Domingo Police against
the trio for breaking R.A. 11332 (Procedures on Surveillance and Response to
Notifiable Diseases, Epidemics, and Health Events of Public Health Concern).
While Dagul, Long Mejia and Gene
Padilla were place in custody, Gov. Singson called on the Ilocos Sur provincial
board to pass a resolution declaring the comedians as persona non grata for
their unsanctioned event and refusal to follow regulations. None of the three
actors involved has given a statement explaining their prior actions. Gene,
Dagul and Long were temporarily released Tuesday, July 21 after finishing
inquest proceedings and health triage for COVID-19. A local family that had
given accommodations to them was mandatorily quarantined.
Image from GMA News
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