Mayor Benjamin Magalong warned tour agencies smuggling tourists into the city that they will be dealt with accordingly.
“The City Mayor’s Office has received reports that some tour agencies are already accepting reservations despite quarantine restrictions. We underscore Baguio City remains closed to tourists and leisure activities while the Covid-19 still hovers and while quarantine measures are still in effect,” Magalong said in a public advisory on July 10.
The city government has repeatedly announced it is still closed to tourists and might open its borders to visitors only in September or depending on the Covid-19 situation in Metro Manila, where most of the tourists come.
“Anybody caught violating our local government restrictions shall be dealt with accordingly under the Bayanihan to Heal as One Act and the Revised Penal Code,” the mayor said.
Richard Lardizabal, Traffic and Transport Management Division of the City Engineering Office chief, said all buses and utility vehicle services that transport people in and out of the city like an ordinary passenger is not yet allowed. This includes tourists, especially for a special trip.
He said the technical working group, with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office, has yet to issue the guidelines on how the trips will be done.
The city at this time only allows the entry of returning Baguio residents. – PNA
December 7, 2023
