Boracay resort owners dispel rumors that dead bodies reach the island
Resort owners on the world famous island of Boracay have denied rumors that remains of missing passengers of the sunken MV Princess of the Stars have been washed ashore on the island amid cancellation of bookings of guests.
"The rumor going around that the dead bodies from the sunken ship in Romblon is polluting the waters of Boracay is completely false. Some tourists have canceled reservations because of this false rumor," said Orlando Sacay, owner of the Waling-Waling resort and a member of the board of directors of the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI).
Sacay said guests have called up resorts to verify these reports and rumors with some resorts reporting of canceled bookings.
He pointed out that Romblon is 40 km from the island-resort and the water current is blowing towards Romblon because of the southwest monsoon.
"The dead bodies will have to swim against the current to reach Boracay!," Sacay said in a text message.
"As for doubting tourists, you will get refund if you see a floating dead body or smell the stench of death here," he said.
Boracay is also hurting from the misconception that it was hit as hard by typhoon "Frank" as Kalibo, the capital town of Aklan province where Boracay is located.
Sacay said guests have also called up to check if the island has also no water and electricity and is covered in mud similar to Kalibo.
Tourism officials and resort owners on Boracay Island have repeatedly assured tourists that the island suffered only minimal damage and has returned to normal after typhoon "Frank".
"We have long gone back to normal," said Sacay.
BFI President Loubelle Cann said the island was back to normal three days after the typhoon lashed at the Aklan mainland on June 21. She also pointed out that most of the resorts on the island operate normally even during power outages because most have electric generators.
She said minor damage is mainly confined at the Bolabog beach on the opposite site of the white beach where part of the main road was washed away and some resorts and boats were damaged or destroyed.
Cann said the damage was much less than the one it suffered due to typhoon Seniang in 2006.
But she said resorts and other businesses have sent relief goods to victims on the mainland including rice, blankets, beddings and clothing.
Tourism regional director Edwin Trompeta said Boracay was very lucky because the typhoon hit the eastern side of the island and not the main beach.
The Department of Tourism is continuing its international promotion of Boracay including trips for tour operators, foreign media and family packages.
Promotion of the island continues to be a significant component in international sales missions and travel trade fair, said Trompeta.
The DOT will also initiate a business mission to Russia and Paris in August and September as part of its promotional blitz for Boracay and other tourist destination.
Trompeta said the agency also plans to allot P60 million for the development of the island's circumferential road.