'Congressman's' event under probe amid COVID-19 spike in Camotes Island town

Residents of San Francisco town in the Camotes Island of Cebu are reportedly blaming the event allegedly organized by Cebu Representative Duke Frasco for the recent increase in COVID-19 cases in the municipality.

According to Jun Veneracion's report on "24 Oras", the Department of Interior and Local government has received the complaint as regards the party held at a resort on July 10 and has ordered an investigation.

The event was held after a fun run and fun ride Frasco reportedly organized.

Cebu was under the least stringent modified general community quarantine when the party was held.

Under MECQ, non-contact sports were allowed because Cebu was under modified general community quarantine.

Data from GMA News Research showed that the number of COVID-19 cases increased by 125% from July 10 to August 16.

Philippine National Police (PNP) is already investigating the possible violation of health protocols in the event.

In a report from Cebu Daily News, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia defended Frasco, her son-in-law, adding that the person who distributed the beach party video was due to politics, especially with the upcoming elections next year.

Meanwhile, San Francisco Mayor Alfredo Aquillano Jr. said he had no knowledge about the party because he was not at the town when it happened.

"Wala na akong personal knowledge doon kasi I was not around during that time. With regards to that, siguro mabuti na hintayin na lang ang resulta ng imbestigasyon," Aquillano said.

[I have no personal knowledge. I think we should just wait for the results of the investigation.]

GMA News sought comment from Frasco to explain his side of the controversy but has yet to reply. —Consuelo Marquez/NB, GMA News