Swimming still not allowed in Boracay even if Aklan is under GCQ

Even if the province of Aklan is under general community quarantine (GCQ), swimming in the waters of its famous island Boracay is still not allowed, according to a report by Katrina Son on GMA News' 24 Oras Weekend on Saturday.

Based on guidelines from the Inter-Agency Task Force, no swimming will be allowed until the threat of COVID-19 persists.

On Saturday, resorts in Boracay remained closed.

Sixty-four hotel and restaurant management students doing on-the-job (OJT) training were stranded on the island when it was placed under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).

Forty-five of them however have already been brought back to Manila as of Saturday through sweeper flights organized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Commission on Higher Education. The students underwent rapid testing for COVID-19 upon arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and were awaiting test results.

Twenty more students are still in Boracay waiting for available flights.

Palawan

Meanwhile, 230 tourists stranded in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan at the time the ECQ was imposed were able to board sweeper flights organized by the national government, DOT and Palawan Provincial Tourism Office.

Among the tourists were 13 mountaineers who went to Mt. Mantalingahan in Palawan and 39 students doing OJT in hotels.

Manila Bay

Meanwhile, on Saturday in Manila Bay, youths were seen swimming in Baseco as the sun shone bright, despite the fact that swimming is not allowed.

Manila is still under enhanced community quarantine until May 15.

One of the youths said they are happier and more free out in the sea than in their homes.

They said the Philippine Coast Guard would ask them to get back to shore when they spot them. —KG, GMA News