SAN FERNANDO CITY, July 6 (PIA) – Thirteen tourists from Metro Manila were apprehended in La Union for violating border control and health protocols.

In a report from the Provincial Government of La Union (PGLU), the tourists were arrested on July 3 for providing false information about their travel at the border checkpoint in Rosario town.

“Investigation conducted by the San Juan, La Union Police Station revealed that the tourists entered through the Brgy. Rabon, Rosario, La Union checkpoint and presented themselves as passing-by tourists bound to Baguio City but they subsequently went and checked-in at one of the beach resorts in Brgy. Urbiztondo, San Juan, La Union,” the report said.

The violators, which included an employee from the Department of Health and a registered physician, were invited to the police station when they failed to present to the authorities complete and valid documents required in entering the province.

“The suspects availed their right to preliminary investigation by signing a waiver and were released from police custody by virtue of Discharge from Custody after posting their bail bond of P3,000.00 each,” the report added.

Meanwhile, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is also currently investigating the concerned establishment in the surfing town of San Juan for possible endorsement for temporary closure.

Executive Order (EO) No. 27 issued by La Union Governor Francisco Emmanue R. Ortega III on May 20, 2021 states that non-residents of La Union from across Luzon may now enter the province for tourism purposes beginning May 22.

Under the said EO, tourists must present a negative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) swab test result issued within 72 hours prior to their arrival in the province.

A negative saliva test result issued by the Philippine Red Cross may be presented in the absence of a negative RT-PCR result.

Further, tourists are required to register and apply for a travel request in the Tara Na! VISITA System at least five working days before their travel date.

The PGLU seeks for the cooperation of everyone, both residents and non-residents, in complying to national and local health and travel protocols amid the coronavirus pandemic. (JCR/AMB/JPD, PIA La Union)