Bohol gov suspends boat trips to Virgin Island amid reports of overpriced food

Bohol Gov. Aris Aumentado has ordered the suspension of motorbanca trips to Panglao’s Virgin island pending investigation on the incident of overpriced seafood sold in the area.

In a statement on Facebook, Aumentado said the Bohol local government was alarmed over the report that a group of tourists were charged P26,000 for seafood served at the island.

Aumentado said he was calling for an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.

The Department of Tourism has thanked the local governments of Bohol and Panglao for investigating the reported overpricing of food by vendors at the Virgin Island.

In a statement, Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco thanked Aumentado and Panglao Mayor Boy Arcay for investigating the matter and taking initial steps at regulating food prices at the tourist spots.

"The alleged overpricing of seafood by vendors in Virgin Island, Panglao, Bohol is a matter that the Department of Tourism (DOT) 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. -NB, GMA News