CIDG to file rap vs 'Poblacion Girl' for skipping COVID-19 quarantine

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is poised to file a complaint against Filipino traveler who skipped mandatory hotel quarantine upon her return from the United States on Dec. 22.

In a statement, the CIDG said Gwyneth Anne Chua violated Rule XI, Section 1 (g) (iii), (iv) of the IRR of R.A. 11332  or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act.

"The CIDG Regional Field Unit NCR, the unit handling the case, was already able to establish the facts relative to the case of the Returning Overseas Filipino (ROF), Gwyneth Anne Chua," said CIDG in a statement.

The CIDG said it would also complaints against her parents and several hotel personnel, who allowed her to leave quarantine.

"CIDG will be filing cases against nine persons, including Ms. Chua, her father and mother, and several personnel of the hotel (quarantine facility)," read the statement.

GMA News Online is still trying to get Chua's comment and will post once she makes a statement on the matter.

Chua's close contacts will not be facing charges but were encouraged to file a complaint against her, CIDG also said.

"As for the individuals who were in the company of Gwyneth Anne Chua on the night of December 23, 2021 and were allegedly infected by the virus, CIDG did not find sufficient evidence to charge them with any offense in relation to the vioaltions committed by Ms. Chua," the CIDG said.

"However, CIDG recommends and encourages the said individuals to file a complaint before CIDG for further referral to the prosecutors office," it added.

According to the CIDG, here are the following facts in Chua's case:

• Ms. Chua was transported to the hotel (quarantine facility) and checked-in at the Berjaya Hotel Makati on December 22, 2021 at 11:23 PM.

• At 11:40 PM of the same night, Ms. Chua was fetched from the same hotel by her own father with an SUV and drove off.

• Investigators confirmed the presence of Ms. Chua on one of the restaurants on the night of December 23, 2021, through CCTV footages and witness accounts.

• On December 25, 2021 at 9:00 PM, Ms. Chua returned to the hotel assisted by her mother.

Chua had not only skipped quarantine but also attended a party and went to several restaurants, which caused 11 people to get infected with COVID-19.

The Berjaya Hotel in Makati apologized for letting Chua skip the quarantine, adding that it will hold accountable their staff who allowed her to leave the quarantine area.

According to the DOT, Chua already admitted that she did not check in at the hotel for the 5-day quarantine.

For his part, CIDG Chief Police Major General Albert Ferro warned investigators to be "vigilant" for quarantine violators amid the pandemic.

“Let this be a lesson for each and every one of our fellow Filipinos. The pandemic is still at bay and we still need to be cautions in our actions. This is proof that the procedures and policies set by the IATF, especially on quarantine and isolation is vital for securing the welfare and wellness of the people. And everyone must adhere to the established protocols," he said.—NB, GMA News