DOT probes party in Baguio City over possible protocol violations

MANILA – A hotel in Baguio City is under investigation over a party in its premises where guests have reportedly violated some of the city’s health and safety protocols.

“The Department of Tourism-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOT-CAR) is currently investigating the reported party at a DOT-accredited accommodation establishment in Baguio City. A Notice to Explain has already been issued to the establishment,” the DOT said in a statement on Tuesday.

It did not name the hotel nor provided details as to when the incident happened.

DOT’s statement came after a video featuring a group of celebrities partying at a hotel in Baguio drew flak on social media as it showed some participants without face masks and visibly violating physical distancing.

The Philippine News Agency has reached out to the hotel tagged in the video for comment but has yet to receive a response as of this writing.

Baguio City Tourism Officer Alec Mapalo, meanwhile, said the Office of the Mayor is now in discussion with the parties concerned.

“The matter is already being discussed at the Mayor’s office with the City Legal officers and entities concerned. As of now, (I) am not authorized to divulge details,” he said in a text message.

In a previous statement, the DOT reminded that while some gatherings are allowed under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), event organizers and participants “are still mandated to follow” the minimum health and safety guidelines imposed by the government such as the wearing of masks and observing physical distancing.

It later retracted the statement.