6 Boracay Tourists Arrested For Using Fake COVID-19 Test Results

• Six tourists ended up getting detained by authorities for using fake Covid-19 test results as they entered Boracay.
• Out of the six, only one used a genuine result.
• Officials condemened the group’s stunt, saying this incident should serve as a warning for others.

Six tourists got into trouble after authorities discovered that they used fake Covid-19 results to enter the Boracay islands in the Philippines.

According to reports, six tourists from Luzon were arrested and then it was found out that only one of them was using an authentic result. The accredited testing center confirmed that only one of them has undergone swabbing.

The tourists arrived on Boracay last December 5. They hid in their hotel room after learning that the cops are looking for them.

They ended up getting detained on Monday after surrendering, reported CNN.

Aklan Police Provincial Director PCol Esmeraldo Osia Jr warned others who may be planning of pulling the same stunt.

“They will be caught even if they manage to slip through,” Osia said during a media briefing.

The tourists were eventually placed in a Kalibo quarantine facility for 14 days where they will also be swabbed.

The Department of Tourism condemned the tourists’ irresponsible actions, issuing a statement that read:

“The DOT commends the swift action of the Aklan provincial police in dealing with the suspects. Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said that similar malicious actions will not be condoned as they undermine the collaborative efforts at protecting and reviving Boracay tourism.

“The tourism chief further urges the stakeholders and visitors alike to keep the country’s banner destination COVID-19 free by strictly adhering to the health and safety protocols.”

Starting October 1, Boracay officially reopened to tourists but with the requirement that visitors present a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test at least 48 to 72 hours before their trip.

All tourists are asked to wear face masks, except during swimming. Bars and discos are still closed on the popular tourist destination.