MANILA – The Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) on Tuesday lauded the conviction of Gwyneth Chua also known as "Poblacion Girl", who breached quarantine protocols in December last year amid the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are elated over the release of the court's decision in the case involving Gwyneth Chua. This proves the strong partnership and commitment of our law enforcement agencies and our courts to maintaining justice, law, and order for everyone. Likewise, we continue to call on the public to follow the enforced health and safety rules during this pandemic and the CIDG is ready to hold accountable anyone who violates this," said CIDG chief, Brig. Gen. Ronald Lee, in a statement.
The Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 128 found Chua guilty of violating Section 9 (d) of Republic Act 11332 or the Mandatory Reporting of Notifiable Diseases and Health Events of Public Health Concern Act and ordered her to pay a fine of PHP20,000.
Judge Maureen Rubio-Marquez issued the verdict after Chua pleaded guilty to the charges during Monday's arraignment.
Chua, a returning overseas Filipino (ROF) from the United States escaped from mandatory quarantine at the Berjaya Hotel and was seen dining with several acquaintances at a restaurant in Makati City.
The complaint against Chua was filed by CIDG National Capital Region last Jan. 4, after completing their investigation and establishing probable cause to file the complaint.
In April, Makati City prosecutors indicted Chua on charges of violation of RA 11332 and Esteban Gatbonton, a security guard of the hotel, for allegedly helping her skip quarantine.
A pre-trial conference was held for the separate criminal case against Gatbonton. (PNA)
