Baguio City, Philippines – On August 17, Mayor Benjamin Magalong talked over RNG Luzon relating a case of Arjo Atayde breaching the City’s protocol where the latter, even after being known he is Covid-19 positive, still left Baguio for Manila.
Atayde was in Baguio City for nearly two months filming the movie “Hey Joe.” He was recently diagnosed positive along with nine other crew.
Magalong said he gave Arjo instruction not to leave Baguio as he is positive, but he left without informing the City Government. “May potential na puwede siyang makahawa ng iba dahil sa ginawa niya,” added Magalong.
In an official statement of Feelmaking Productions Inc. this August 18, Ellen Criste, the head production of Feelmaking Productions Inc. stated that Atayde suffered high fever, headaches, and difficulty of breathing. Since Arjo has pre-existing medical conditions, the family and the doctors made a mutual decision to take him to Manila.
Criste likewise mentioned that the family apologized for whatever inconveniences that resulted from the incident.
“The Atayde family has reached out to Mayor Benjamin Magalong and we assure him and the people of Baguio that we will comply with our commitments to the City. We are grateful for the opportunity to shoot in their beautiful city and apologize for whatever inconvenience that this unfortunate incident may have caused,” Criste stated.
Criste added that they also provided assistance to 9 others who tested positive in the team and are still in Baguio, saying that they likewise coordinated with the local officials for the necessary safety protocols.
Probe on “Hey Joe” cast and crew
Mayor Magalong, earlier this week, ordered an investigation on the possibility that the “Hey Joe” actors and crew led by Atayde have breached protocols while filming in Baguio.
Magalong said that the crew committed to working on a bubble set-up while filming; however, they found out that there were instances where crew members go home and come back to Baguio without passing through triage.
The city mayor further said that the group also failed to do monthly testing for Covid-19.
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