Governor Art Yap has called on Panglao Mayor Leonila Montero to stop the Amanzara Resort from holding another foam party this weekend pending the investigation on the establishment’s alleged breach of health protocol during its previous events.
Yap, in a statement issued Thursday afternoon, said he asked Montero in a letter dated March 10 to issue a cease and desist order against the management of Amanzara to suspend its scheduled foam parties on March 12 and 13.
Montero had earlier announced that the municipality’s investigation on the issue was closed with Amanzara proven to have broken protocols when its guests were caught on video without facemasks and failing to observe social distancing during a series of parties last week.
The mayor however said that she had let the resort off with just a warning.
According to Yap, the suspension of the event should be imposed while “proper authorities” are conducting an investigation on the issue.
The governor also said he directed the Bohol Provincial Police Office to “take appropriate action” on the incident.
“The Provincial Government asks everyone to uphold the rule of law, exercise moral uprightness, and maintain decency at all times and at all costs amid our battle against the COVID19 pandemic,” Yap said.
Montero, in a paid radio program earlier on the same day, said that she will be issuing a permit to Amanzara should the resort apply for one for its upcoming parties.
The mayor even invited the public to attend the event.
“Naa may gi-advertise ang Amanzara na mag [event] sila rong Friday, I will be inviting you all to go there,” Montero said.
The last-term municipal chief executive stood by her earlier statement saying that she appreciated Amanzara’s efforts to help revive commerce in the once-thriving resort town.
“Balikon nako, I appreciated so much the effort sa atong mga establishments na nangita og paagi na ituyok or ibalik og attract ang atong tourism sa lungsod sa Panglao kay daghan na kaaayong walay trabaho,” she said.
Montero also maintained that the town’s Ordinance No. 7-2020 stipulates that first-time violation of health safety protocols only merits a warning.
“Any person, establishment found violating the provision of the ordinance shall be fined in the amount prescribed as follows: first offense, stern warning,” Montero quoted the ordinance.
Amanzara’s series of parties drew province-wide attention after videos and photos of the event circulated over social media showing partygoers flouting health safety protocols by not wearing facemasks and not observing physical distancing.
A video of a woman dancing without a top during one of the events also circulated drawing heavy flak from the public including Bishop Abet Uy of the Diocese of Tagbilaran who denounced the organizers of the event.
Amid the uproar against the parties last week, Amanzara announced that it was set to organize similar events this weekend with various entertainers scheduled to make appearances including Viva Hot Babe Gwen Garci.