Sandbar, dive site in Oslob closed for six days for cleanup

Some tourist spots in Oslob, Cebu, will be temporarily closed for cleaning purposes starting Tuesday.

According to a 24 Oras report by GMA News' Oscar Oida on Monday, tourists have left lots of trash in the sandbar and diving site in the island of Sumilon during the Holy Week, prompting the local government to close it from April 10 to 16.

"Number one 'yung cleanup. Two to three days siguro then the remaining days para breather din ng nature para makapahinga sila," Mayor Jose Tumulak Jr. said.

Tumulak admitted that the profit of the island would be affected due to the temporary closure, but he noted that their priority is to preserve and protect the tourist destination.

Meanwhile, police will help in ensuring that no tourist will go to the island during the said dates. Boat operations will also be suspended.

"Makipagtulungan lang po makipag-cooperate para 'yung gagawin nating pagsa-ayos sa mga island natin is magiging maganda po ang bunga nito," Police Senior Inspector Clemente Geralde Jr., officer-in-charge of the Oslob police, said.

The closure gained mixed reactions from the tourists, with some expressing dismay while others supporting it.

"I'm very upset about the closure because I want to experience it with the family pa, I want to roam around and enjoy it even more," tourist Mikaela Lichauco said.

"They have to clean it really better, for you and for me," a certain JB said.

"Maga-adjust na lang kami para ma-experience pa rin namin ito," Tonton Papa said.

The local government of Oslob said vacationers can still enjoy other tourist attractions  in the area such as the Tumalog Falls, whale shark viewing and other beach resorts. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News