Pili, Camarines Sur to probe fraternity party over health protocol violations

The local government of Pili, Camarines Sur has ordered a probe into a gathering organized by a fraternity which showed guests violating health protocols amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to Sandra Aguinaldo's report on "24 Oras" on Wednesday, video footage showed attendees of the said party dancing without face masks and were also foregoing social distancing.

The Pili Philippine National Police said the party was to commemorate the anniversary of the Tau Gamma Phi last June 12.

"Kung nag-iinuman sila, bawal 'yon. Bawal ang inuman sa amin ngayon. Lahat ng bars, sarado. Bawal nga magbenta ng alak. Pangalawa, 'yong walang face mask, bawal 'yon," Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta, Jr. said.

(If they were drinking, that's not allowed. All bars in the municipality are closed. There is a liquor ban. Second, not wearing face masks is also a violation.)

Police said more than 20 people attended the event.

Authorities already coordinate with Barangay San Jose to determine the attendees.

Police said those who violated health protocols will be issued tickets and will be fined at least P500.

"Very clear na may violation doon sa party. Nakikipag-usap kami sa barangay captain kung sino ang puwedeng makilala doon sa mga kasali doon kaya hopefully, ti-ticket-an natin sila para in compliance doon sa ordinansa namin dito sa munisipyo," Pili PNP officer-in-charge Lieutenant Colonel Ryan Atanacio said.

(It's very clear that there is a violation in the party. We already talked to the barangay captain to determine the attendees so we can issue tickets in compliance with our ordinance.)

The Pili PNP said the fraternity leader already coordinated with them. The leader also assured that no one had symptoms of the respiratory illness so far. -Ma. Angelica Garcia/MDM, GMA News