MANILA, Philippines – Cebu beauty queen Maria Gigante lies about giving relief goods so she and her Spanish boyfriend could pass through checkpoints on their way to the beach! At 5:30 PM on Sunday, May 10, 2020, Maria and her boyfriend, Javier Filosa Castro, were arrested for swimming and violation of the liquor ban at a beach in Barangay Basdiot in Moalboal, Cebu.
The entire Cebu province is currently still under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Social activities such as swimming, jogging, hiking, and hanging out with friends are strictly prohibited. There is also a liquor ban in place.
But on Sunday, the pair were caught swimming, hanging out at the beach, and having some drinks. They were arrested by tourist police who were patrolling the coastal area.
Upon checking their identities and addresses, it was discovered that the two had come from Cebu City, some 85 km away from Moalboal where they were arrested. This puzzled the cops as the couple had to pass through several checkpoints.
It turned out that they lied at the checkpoints, claiming that they were on their way to Alegria to distribute relief goods. Since they were supposed to share their blessings, they were allowed to pass through by the frontliners at the numerous checkpoints they passed before reaching the beautiful beaches of Moalboal.
According to Police Senior Master Sergeant Jennelyn Awe, desk officer of the Moalboal Police Station, the two were immediately placed inside one of the station’s isolation cells when they learned that the two came from Cebu City. Considering that there are over 1,000 positive cases of COVID-19 in Cebu City, the police and local officials were greatly concerned about this violation.
Aside from facing charges for violation of the liquor ban, the two also face complaints of disobedience to a person in authority.
Gigante was slammed by netizens for violating the law and for lying about their real plan, using the guise of giving relief goods to fool the officers at the checkpoints. And many also pointed out that she should have known better, particularly because she was involved in a campaign urging people to stay at home!
Together with Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados and other beauty queens, Gigante figured in that campaign to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
The entire Cebu province is currently still under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). Social activities such as swimming, jogging, hiking, and hanging out with friends are strictly prohibited. There is also a liquor ban in place.
But on Sunday, the pair were caught swimming, hanging out at the beach, and having some drinks. They were arrested by tourist police who were patrolling the coastal area.
Upon checking their identities and addresses, it was discovered that the two had come from Cebu City, some 85 km away from Moalboal where they were arrested. This puzzled the cops as the couple had to pass through several checkpoints.
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| Photo credit: Cebu Daily News |
Aside from facing charges for violation of the liquor ban, the two also face complaints of disobedience to a person in authority.
Gigante was slammed by netizens for violating the law and for lying about their real plan, using the guise of giving relief goods to fool the officers at the checkpoints. And many also pointed out that she should have known better, particularly because she was involved in a campaign urging people to stay at home!
Together with Miss Universe Philippines 2019 Gazini Ganados and other beauty queens, Gigante figured in that campaign to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
— Joy Adalia, The Summit Express
