DILG orders probe on ‘unauthorized’ duathlon event in Pampanga

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has called for an investigation into the duathlon race in Candaba, Pampanga which was held allegedly without the necessary permit.

In a statement issued Friday, DILG spokesperson Jonathan Malaya said Secretary Eduardo Año has directed the Candaba LGU and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to investigate the incident for violations of IATF protocols and Provincial Ordinance 756, in relation to RA 11332.

"The public is reminded that all forms of mass gatherings, especially this holiday season, is strictly prohibited under IATF regulations because of the high risk of community transmission," Malaya said.

"We urge them to file the necessary charges and impose the appropriate penalties against the organizers based on the result of the investigation," he added.

The DILG found that the duathlon event last December 6, which was organized by TEAMBRO led by Sunny Pantua, had no necessary permit from the Municipal Government of Candaba.

"They did apply but the necessary permit was not issued by the LGU, hence, the conduct of said event was unauthorized and illegal," Malaya said.

Pantua earlier claimed they had a verbal approval from the local government, but has since apologized for the incident. "Sa IATF kami muli taos-pusong humihingi ng paumanhin sa mga nalabag namin. Alam ko, marami kaming naging, nalabag o naging pagkukulang." 

Candaba Mayor Rene Maglanque earlier said he only knew about the race when he received news that several residents went out of their homes to watch. The 110 individuals that participated in the race paid a P1,300 registration fee.

Maglanque then alerted the Candaba Police to stop the duathlon from proceeding.

The DILG said reports and posts about the event on social media showed that participants and spectators violated physical distancing and were not wearing face masks and face shields.

Further, the DILG said it also received reports that several participants who came from other provinces did not secure their necessary medical certificates and travel authority from the PNP. — Jamil Santos/RSJ, GMA News