Cancellation of tour agency’s license mulled

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Tourism (DOT) is planning to recommend the cancellation of license of the tour agency tapped by the climbers who were killed in last Tuesday’s Mayon volcano explosion.

“We intend to write to the local government unit of Legazpi responsible for issuing the permit to revoke the license of tour agency Bicol Adventure,” DOT regional director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said.

She said the recommendation would be made as the tour guide accompanying the climbers was not accredited by the DOT.

She added the tour agency also did not secure a permit to climb Mayon.

Bicol Adventure also took an entry point that was not recognized by the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government of Legazpi City.

“We just need to gather all the information we need, then we can give the letter (to Legazpi City government),” Ravanilla said.

“It is still up to the LGU to decide. We can only recommend,” she added.

Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez said they have yet to make a final decision on the matter “pending inquiry and formal response from the operator.”