BY MAE SINGUAY AND DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Police officers temporarily shut down several beach resorts in Barangay Punta Taytay due to alleged violation of public health protocols aimed to stem the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Police Lieutenant Gilbert Batiles, Police Station 9 chief, said the establishments failed to enforce the protocols on their visitors like wearing of facemask and face shield, and observing social distancing.
Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Ariel Pico, concurred with Batiles’ decision.
Pico said they had been receiving numerous calls from concerned citizens regarding beach resorts not fully enforcing the health protocols.
For his part, Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran clarified that only accommodation establishments that were able to secure a Certificate of Authority to Operate from the Department of Tourism are allowed to operate.
It was previously reported that 28 accommodation establishments in Bacolod City secured the CAO.
However, most of the resorts in Barangay Punta Taytay have yet to secure CAO.
Councilor Israel Salangga, chairperson of the city council’s Committee on Tourism, said the beach resorts needed to be closed also because of Section 5 of Executive Order No. 70 issued by Mayor Evelio Leonardia.
The EO prohibits the operation of tourist spots including beach resorts and water parks while the city is under general community quarantine.
However, Salangga said he will make an appeal to Leonardia for the reopening of beach resorts so as to help hundreds of beach resort workers affected by months of closures.
The councilor also pointed out that if it is not possible, then the reopening of the beach resorts may only be done when the city downgrades to a more less restrictive community quarantine status./PN
