Dinagat, Surigao del Norte residents and local officials were surprised by reports that actress Jean Garcia had an unpleasant experience during the birthday celebration of Governor Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman last weekend.
Governor Villaroman said to Sun Star that she invited Jean and some of her friends in Manila to come to the town of San Jose and attend her birthday last October 5. The actress even gave a birthday message on video for the governor, describing her "as a good friend from way back."
The governor, however, denied a report that Jean went to the province for an out of town show. Jean was accompanied by her sister and three other companions.
Villaroman was just waiting for Jean to issue a statement before giving a formal reaction to the supposed incident.
Meanwhile, Vice Governor Elvis dela Merced said that they only knew about the reports of the alleged maltreatment and hostage-taking from text messages sent by relatives and friends.
"However, if our province was mentioned I think Miss Garcia owes us an apology because there was no truth to that news because God knows we tried to treat her well in whatever we can despite our material deficiencies," said Dela Merced.
Dinagat Island Provincial General Services Division Chief Helen Elago also denied the allegations being circulated. She said that she escorted the actress and her friends all the way to Surigao City on Saturday night. Three other local radio broadcasters who were also with Jean said that no such hostage- taking happened.
Elago said that the reports were "absurd and irresponsible. We treated her well at the most we can."