Report: DOT may cancel license of tour agency over Mayon deaths

The tour agency tapped by German climbers who perished in the wake of a steam-driven eruption at Mayon Volcano last Tuesday faces the cancellation of its license, state-run Philippines News Agency reported Thursday. A PNA report said the Department of Tourism in Bicol has recommended the cancellation of the license to operate of "Bicol Adventure." DOT regional director Maria Ravanilla said they made the recommendation to Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal. She added the DOT will push sanctions against violators, including "suspensions for minor offenses and termination for grievous one." Ravanilla also said that with a possible downtrend of tourists visiting Albay for mountain-climbing, this can be offset by shifting to "culture, cuisine, adventure, leisure and entertainment." "Legazpi City is positioning itself as a convention city, so let us support this move," she said. At least five people – four climbers and their Filipino guide – were killed after being caught in the steam-driven eruption. Ravanilla said the tour agency should be sanctioned for its failure to strictly follow tour guidelines on mountain-climbing at Mayon. She also cited as bases for the move to cancel the agency's license: