MANILA, Philippines — Authorities have filed charges against the individuals involved in the Halloween party held in Boracay last October 31 for violating health protocols implemented in the province.
The individuals violated three ordinances of the municipality of Malay, Aklan. There will also be a P7,500 fine for every individual that attended the said mass gathering.
Malay, Aklan Mayor Frolibar Bautista said initial investigation showed event organizers were brought to a private establishment to plan out the said party.
Two foreigners were also charged for wearing police uniforms as costume, which is prohibited by law.
Bautista said the the private establishment is owned by a foreigner who had the place rented out to the party organizers.
“Pinarentahan niya na dito sa Boracay at iyon na dahil sabi daw ng iyong nag-renta ng bahay na iyan na parang may birthday party. Sinabay na pala siguro nila sa Holloween party kaya ganoon ang nangyari (He had his house rented out to the organizers for a birthday party. They must’ve held a Halloween party as well),” he said.
Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) supported the recommendation of the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group to close down the said private establishment. This is also due to the establishment’s lack of necessary permit and clearance from authorities.
Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat again appealed to the public to cooperate with the authorities in implementing health and safety protocols to prevent the further spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19).
“We are appealing to our LGUs to please cooperate with us in the safe and responsible reopening of our tourist destinations,” she said in a statement.
“The jobs and livelihoods that were recently restored in these sites will be affected once again if an outbreak occurs in the area due to the LGU’s negligence,” she added. AAC (with reports from Asher Cadapan Jr.)
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