Bohol Governor Aris Aumentado has ordered the suspension of motorboat trips to Virgin Island in Panglao due to an ongoing investigation following reports of overpriced food in the area.
Aumentado said in a Facebook post that the local government was alarmed over the report that a group of tourists paid some PHP26,100 for seafood served at the island.
The governor added that he will call for an emergency meeting and investigation following the incident.
Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco has also called on the LGU to conduct a probe on the incident and ensure that food prices at tourist spots are regulated.
“The alleged overpricing of seafood by vendors in Virgin Island, Panglao, Bohol is a matter that the Department of Tourism takes seriously especially as it concerns the welfare of tourists whose continued support for our destinations is critical to the recovery of the tourism industry,” Frasco said.
“My office has been in touch with the LGUs, and I thank Governor Aris Aumentado and Mayor Boy Arcay for immediately initiating an investigation into this matter, and taking initial steps at regulation,” she added.
