
Filipina YouTuber and singer was arrested in O'ahu, Hawaii on Friday, July 24 by Honolulu officials after the 20-year-old influencer violated the 14-day self-quarantine protocols for travelers.
In a report by KITV4 ABC Island News, Mika arrived at the island of Hawaii on July 6 but was seen a few days later dancing and dining out in public with friends. The owner of the establishment also confirmed her presence.
Because of this incident, the YouTuber received several criticisms from netizens over her disregard for quarantine protocols.
But before her arrest, the personality addressed the issue on her YouTube channel with the title, “This is all I have to say.”
In the 2-minute clip, Mika clarified that officers told her that she wasn't in trouble since her swab tests turned out to be negative.
She said, “Inaamin ko po na nagkamali po ako nung time na dumating kami sa Hawaii at agad po kaming lumabas.
“As far as I can remember, na-settle na po namin 'yun.
“'Yung mga law enforcer po, pinuntahan po nila ako dito sa bahay kung saan ako nagka-quarantine. Sila po mismo ang nagsabing, 'You're not in trouble. If you're negative, you can go out.'
“After nilang pumunta sa bahay, kinabukasan nagpunta po kami sa hospital para mag-swab test which is negative din.”
Despite releasing her side of the story, police and state officials say that the claim is not true.
In a statement given to KITV4, it said, “Special Agents from the Dept. of the Attorney General Investigations Divisions would not inform anyone that they can get tested and leave quarantine.”
Additionally, Attorney General Clare E. Connors said, “None of my investigators would convey that information, as it is incorrect.
“The fact that Ms. Salamanca has so many followers makes her actions that much more dangerous and concerning.
“The spread of misinformation can have very severe consequences during an emergency like we are in now.”
Mika was reported to have been bailed out of jail after her relatives posted $2,000 on her behalf. She is the 24th person to be arrested in O'ahu for violating the travel self-quarantine order.
A screenshot of KITV4's report on Mika Salamanca's arrest / Source: KITV4.com