BORACAY – Two tourists were apprehended after landing at the Caticlan Airport on Dec. 29, 2020 for presenting fake coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) test results.
Authorities validated they had no reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results from an accredited laboratory center in Manila.
“Nakalusot sila sa airport authorities sa Maynila, ngunit pagdating sa Caticlan Airport sila ay hinuli at dinala sa Kalibo, Aklan,” said Malay, Aklan acting mayor Frolibar Bautista.
A negative COVID-19 test result and a confirmed hotel booking are required for non-Aklanon tourists intending to enter Boracay Island.
The Aklan provincial validating team requires visitors to upload their COVID-19 results to a digital portal to secure a Quick Response (QR) code with Online Health Declaration form.
QR codes are used by residents and tourists at the entry point as well as accessing restaurant and hotel services in Boracay Island.
Bautista appealed to inbound tourists to stop faking COVID-19 test results.
“Delikado pagnakalusot itong mga turista sa Boracay, lalo na pag-positive sa COVID-19. Sundin natin ang mga protocols tulad ng wearing of facemasks at social distancing. May bagong strain ng COVID-19 lalo na sa mga bansa na inbound markets natin. Maging matatag at mag-ingat tayo,” said Bautista./PN
