The operation of a resort in Barangay Laiya Aplaya in San Juan, Batangas, has been suspended due to a violation of local government policy.
According to Councilor Meynard Robles, vice-chairperson of the San Juan Inter-Agency Task Force, the resort had guests on July 18.
He said the guests did not go through the tourism reception area. Local government guidelines also include advanced booking at resorts and having a health declaration before going to the resort.
According to Municipal Tourism Officer Elsie Sadsad, a group from Manila brought tourists to the said town.
“Mayroong isang grupo from Manila na nagdala rito ng turista at napatunayan namin na hindi dumaan dito sa tourism office. Usually ‘yung dumaraan sa tourism na mga walk-in na galing sa ibang areas, hindi sa MGCQ areas ay pinapabalik po natin,” she said.
(There was a group from Manila who brought tourists here, and we proved that they did not go through the tourism office. Usually, we send back those who pass through tourism who are walk-ins from other areas, not in MGCQ areas.)
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According to the local government investigation, the resort and its guests violated the minimum health standards and protocol.
CCTV footage of the barangay also showed that the other visitors were still outside even after 10 pm.
“Nag-iipon-ipon sila without a face mask. Mayroon din naman na, sila rin, nagpost sila ng pictures nila. Sakay sila sa van na punong puno. Di ba dapat at least 50 percent. So sila rin ang nagpopost, ‘yung mga naging bisita,” explained Barangay Chairman Wivin Llana.
(They gather without wearing face masks. Some of them posted pictures. They were packed inside the van, which should only at least 50 percent capacity. They posted it, the visitors.)
The San Juan local government reiterated that only aged 21below and 60 below are still not allowed to go out.
Visitors should also come from areas that are already under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
He said it is also a way to protect the health of not only tourists but also the San Juan community.
The said resort in Batangas has not yet issued a statement explaining the local government regarding their violation.