DOT condemns ‘reckless’ social gathering in Batangas

The DOT said the mass gathering involved a large group of individuals partying without face masks and face shields, nor observance of physical distancing protocols at the beach of the resort. (File photo: Federico Giampieri/Unsplash)

MANILA – The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday condemned yet another “reckless” social gathering organized at the beachfront of a resort in Barangay Laiya, San Juan, Batangas.

The DOT said the mass gathering involved a large group of individuals partying without face masks and face shields, nor observance of physical distancing protocols at the beach of the resort.

It said this violates the guidelines set by the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) for areas under general community quarantine.

Following the incident, the local government of San Juan revoked the business permit and filed appropriate charges against the erring establishment, which the DOT identified as the Blue Coral Beach Resorts, Inc.

The same establishment was suspended from September 2 to 17 after violating IATF-EID health protocols.

Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat issued a stern reminder to all accommodation and tourism establishments in Batangas and other destinations that have reopened, to follow health and safety protocols at all times.

“Erring establishments may face criminal charges as deemed appropriate by the local government unit concerned, and shall likewise be sanctioned by the DOT,” the department said.

READ: DOT probes Boracay ‘full moon party’ over quarantine violations

Last month, the DOT castigated an “irresponsible” Halloween party in Boracay for violating the social distancing measure and wearing of mask policy on the island.

The “full moon party” was held from the night of October 31 until the morning of November 1 at a venue in Sitio Cagban, Barangay Manoc-manoc.