By FROILAN GALLARDO
Special Correspondent
THE Island Garden City of Samal banned all group tour travels from China in the aftermath of the confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the country.
Samal became the first Philippine city to temporarily ban Chinese tourists to “to protect its residents from the much-dreaded 2019 novel coronavirus.”
The island of Samal has the world-famous Pearl Farm Resort: Talikud island and other attractions that cater to tourists.
The order “will remain in full force and effect until further advice from the Department of Health and other agencies,” said Samal Mayor Al David Uy of the temporary ban that took effect Jan. 30.
Uy directed the police in the city and the Army Task Force Samal to conduct patrols, checkpoints and “plain-view” inspections on all vehicles passing through the island’s entry points especially at the Samal Ferry Terminal in Kinawitnon, Babak District.
He also directed the police and Army units to deny the entry of all group tours with foreign nationals.
Army Task Force Samal Commander Alex Noel Bravo said, “What we are concerned about here are the group tours going on island-hopping in Talikud and other resorts,” Bravo said.
He said most group tours in Davao City end up in Samal resorts and islands.
