PNP: Charges filed vs persons in Boracay Halloween party

By Jennifer P. Rendon

 

Criminal charges were already filed against several individuals who participated in a Halloween party in Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.

The incident which shows alleged violations of health protocols amid the pandemic committed by party goers, the establishment owner, and the event organizer were again exposed on social media.

Except for confirming that cases were filed, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Pablito, Malay police chief, did not elaborate on the case.

“Good AM. I was advised by PD, Boracay Interagency Task Force, and Aklan LGU to invoke the sub judice rule. The criminal cases have been filed and the appropriate fines have been imposed. Thank you,” Pablito said in a text message.

By PD, he was referring to Colonel Esmeraldo Osia, Jr., the Aklan provincial director.

Reports obtained by the Daily Guardian, though, revealed that at least four persons were charged.

They were the owner of Casa de Arte, the establishment where the party took place; the party organizer who introduced himself as a certain Jack Bates; and a certain Aaron Vega, the party’s disc jockey, and his girlfriend who goes by the social media name Vanessa Claire.

 

THE PARTY

The party allegedly happened Oct 31 until early morning of Nov 1, 2020.

Around 100 persons attended the party, which the organizer earlier claimed to be a private birthday party that happened at Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island.

But witnesses claimed that a P250 entrance fee was asked per attendee.

Authorities used video clips of partygoers, mostly foreigners, as one of their references in citing violations of health protocols, such as wearing of facemasks and social distancing.

Investigators also said that they violated Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code or the Illegal use of uniform or insignia.

Under the said law, “the penalty of prision mayor in its maximum period shall be imposed upon any person who shall publicly and improperly make use of insignia, uniforms or dress pertaining to an office not held by such person or to a class or persons of which he is not a member.”

 

PROBE

An investigation was conducted and the police, in coordination with the Department of Tourism in Malay and the Malay local government’s Business and Licensing Office, led them to Casa de Arte as the party venue.

For someone to enter the venue, the partygoer must walk a narrow alley some 500 meters from the roadside.

The establishment has not applied for DOT accreditation after it temporarily closed shop due to the pandemic.

It also appeared that Casa de Arte also lacks a business permit to operate.

A screenshot from a Facebook post disclosed that Vega was allegedly seen wearing a PNP   athletic uniform.

He allegedly posed with a girl with the username Vanessa Claire who was also wearing a police General Office Attire (GOA) uniform top.

Initial reports indicated that Aaron Vega’s name was Aaron Cisneros, an American citizen who works as a DJ in Boracay.

On the other hand, Vanessa is 24-year-old Vanessa Claire Manrique Winstanley, a half-British, half-Filipina.

A Filipino citizen, she is based in Hong Kong but remained in the Philippines since the COVID-19 lockdown.

Aside from non-wearing of face masks and not practicing social distancing, the event also violated Malay Ordinance No. 4121 or the Curfew Ordinance.

The event went on until 12:30 a.m. of Nov. 1, 2020, past the 11 p.m. curfew.

It was also deemed as a non-essential mass gathering. There was also no contact tracing form or logbook at the venue.

As this developed, authorities have yet to issue a statement on the possible charges against partygoers who might be identified in the course of the investigation.