Puyat slams mass gathering in Boracay last Oct 31

November 26, 2020

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat on Thursday slammed amass gathering held in Boracay Island last October 31.

In a statement, Puyat said she is supporting the recommendation of the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group to the local government of Malay, Aklan to close the establishment that organized the “Halloween party”.

She said the party was held at the Casa de Arte, Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-Mano in Boracay.

“The DOT (Department of Trade)  supports the recommendation of the Boracay Inter-Agency Rehabilitation Management Group to Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista to close down the erring establishment in view of its lacking of business permit and necessary clearances as determined by the authorities,” Puyat said.

Puyat reminded local officials, stakeholders and guests to strictly observe the minimum health standards set by the government even though the involved establishment does not require a DOT accreditation.

“We are appealing to our LGUs to please cooperate with us in the safe and responsible reopening of our tourist destinations,” Puyat said.

“The jobs and livelihoods that were recently restored in these sites will be affected once again if an outbreak occurs in the area due to the LGU’s negligence. We urge our LGUs to please take our health and safety protocols seriously,” she added.

For his part, Bautista said the organizers of the party were  fined P5,000  but police are still looking for an organizer that escaped.

Bautista said the party was held in a private house far from the beach area.

“Right now, they were penalized… Even the foreigners who wore a police uniform, a case was filed against them… I don’t think (the establishment) will do it again because one of their organizers is hiding,” he said.

Bautista assured tourists that the Island remains free from COVID-19.

Boracay was formally reopened to tourists last October 1 even as the country slowly recovers from COVID-19 threats. Ella Dionisio/DMS