Following the recent arrest of an alleged tour guide caught selling marijuana at resort island Boracay earlier this week, the Department of Tourism-Region VI (DOT-6) disavowed any connection with the suspect and affirmed they were not affiliated by the government agency.
“DOT-accredited tour guides undergo trainings conducted by DOT-6,” DOT-6 director, Atty. Helen J. Catalbas, explained. “We do not tolerate this kind of act because we want our tourism frontliners to be a role model for tourists to engage only in clean fun, which means no drugs.”
She added, in order for regional tour guides to be DOT-accredited, they must acquire a DOT certificate of training, National Bureau of Investigation clearance, health certificate, and mayor’s permit. Meanwhile, community-based tour guides are required the same training and health certificate, along with police clearance and a mayor’s permit.
DOT-6 encouraged the public to only work with DOT-accredited tour guides.
Police identified the suspect as Silvino Sauz, Jr. of Barangay Aslum in Ibajay, Aklan./WDJ

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