ILOILO City – Mayor Jerry Treñas issued a show-cause order to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Region 6 relative to a “gathering” it held despite the city’s being under a modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).
Iloilo City COVID Team spokesperson Jeck Conlu said BFP-6 director Fire Senior Superintendent Jerry Candido had to explain.
Photos of the blessing and inauguration of BFP-6’s substation in Alta Tierra Village, Jaro district went viral on Thursday, drawing criticism from netizens.
Mass gathering is prohibited under Treñas’ Executive Order No. 50-A.
Earlier, Candido apologized for holding the event. He said he was not aware of the prohibition.
“No amount of explanation can justify the event that we did,” said Candido over DYRI RMN Iloilo.
“In fact ako mismo, I have to admit, wala gid ‘ko kabasa. Well indi man ‘na gani excuse. But nevertheless, we have to accept responsibilities,” he added.
Candido noted that they strictly implemented minimum public health protocols. Attendees were also told to “take out” the food.
Candido said he will take the responsibility and face the consequences.
“Ako wala ‘ko lain buot nga mabaton sang show-cause order because it’s the procedure, and they are just doing their job,” he said.
“Being a responsible officer, indi man adlaw-adlaw chakto obra mo. My parents told me admit your mistake, one step backward and move on. We committed a mistake. We admit it and we are willing to submit ourselves sa proper investigation,” he added.
On the other hand, Cong. Julienne Baronda issued a statement apologizing, too. She was an invited guest at the inauguration.
“I assumed that prior authorization was secured as essential gatherings for provision of government services are allowed. Events like this may boost the morale of our public servants, like our firefights who have been tirelessly working for the people,” Baronda said.
She added that they also made it clear to the BFP that health protocols should be strictly observed during the event.
“My advance party sent me pictures showing the physical arrangement with a few chairs, so I went. We had the ribbon-cutting then I delivered a very brief message and left. It was a short program in an open space. Although we strictly observed health protocols, we should not have pushed through with it. I apologize for this lapse in judgment,” she said.
Treñas, meanwhile, after calling the attention of Candido, assured that no similar gatherings from any government office will happen again during MECQ./PN
