PHILIPPINES URGES TOURISTS TO REMAIN ALERT, CONFIRM TRAVEL STATUS AFTER QUAKE

MANILA, Oct 1 (Bernama-PNA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Wednesday advised all tourists to remain alert and confirm the status of their destinations before travelling following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Bogo City, Cebu on Tuesday, the Philippine News Agency (PNA) reported.

“Tourists are advised to confirm the status of destinations before travelling. Several tourist sites in affected areas may be closed while safety inspections are ongoing,” it said in a public advisory.

The agency said its offices are “fully responsive” to the needs of affected tourists and tourism stakeholders.

“The following lines are open to travellers requiring assistance: Hotline – 151-TOUR (151-8687); Mobile – 0954-253-3215; Email - touristassistance@tourism.gov.ph; Click2Call and Live Webchat – DOT corporate website www.tourism.gov.ph,” it said.

The agency is also working with relevant agencies and local government units (LGUs) to assess the safety of access roads and bridges, as well as the condition of affected tourism establishments and workers.

As of posting time, no official list of closed attractions has been released.

According to the latest situational report by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least two seaports were affected, with 134 passengers currently stranded in Central Visayas.

The deadly magnitude 6.9 earthquake jolted Bogo, Cebu, at 9.59 pm Tuesday, with tremors felt in provinces across Visayas and parts of Luzon and Mindanao.

It was tectonic in origin and recorded the highest instrumental intensity of VI, experienced in Cebu City, Cebu, and Villaba, Leyte. 

-- BERNAMA-PNA