THE local government unit of Jasaan, Misamis Oriental, has ordered the temporary closure of Sagpulon falls following an incident that killed a 12-year-old boy and injured four others, over the weekend.
The fatality identified as Yandro Sinonday, a resident of Agusan, Cagayan de Oro City did not get to the hospital alive after he was hit by a falling rock last Saturday, September 29.
At least five other victims sustained injuries and were rushed to the Jasaan Community Hospital for medical treatment. Four were out-patient.
Provincial tourism head Jeffrey Saclot said the management decided to suspend the operation of Sagpulon falls until further advice while the fact finding is ongoing.
He said a fact-finding committee was formed to look into the incident. The capitol's tourism office will then make an evaluation based on the result of the investigation.
Saclot said rocks usually fall on the danger zones which is prohibited to visitors. Warning signs were also installed on the prohibited areas.
"Dili kita kaingon kung nakaadto ba kining mga biktima sa danger zone kay mao pa na ang sutaon sa fact finding (We can’t determine yet if these victims were at the danger zone, that’s what will be investigated by the fact finding)," Saclot said.
The governor said the incident may cause a minor setback in his tourism program but he said tourism activities in the province must continue
"Naay (There is) negative impact especially that we are hosting the ATOP national convention but we have to continue with our tourism program. Gi-close ang Sagpulon temporarily for observation," Emano said.
Emano has directed the Misamis Oriental Cares System (MisOr Cares) to attend to the medical needs of the victims while the local government of Jasaan will also release funds to assist the victims.
"Ang pondo nga gipagawas for the assistance gikan ra usab sa kinitaan sa Sagpulon falls (The funds released also came from the earnings of Sagpulon falls)," Emano added.