Kawasan Falls, Badian canyoneering ‘safe and stable’

Local

THE Sangguniang Bayan of Badian has passed a resolution condemning misleading online posts that claimed Kawasan Falls and the town’s canyoneering site were damaged and unsafe after the 6.9-magnitude earthquake that struck northern Cebu on Sept. 30.

In a notice released through the town’s official “Breathtaking Badian” Facebook page, the municipal council identified five individuals allegedly responsible for sharing or spreading the misinformation.

They were named as Elsy Jore Imperial of Tabuelan, Cebu; Rotalia Cabotaje Oponda of Mandaue City; Alexan Alimbon Masangay of Davao City; Robinson Velasco Jr. of Mexico, Pampanga; and Marlene Salazar Alejandro of Minglanilla, Cebu.

The council said the posts unfairly tarnished the town’s reputation and tourism industry, especially the world-famous Kawasan Falls.

It demanded a public retraction and written apology within seven days or the individuals would be declared persona non grata under Municipal Ordinance 11, Series of 2023.

Imperial and Masangay have since apologized for posting inaccurate information on their social media pages.

Earlier, Mayor Jerome Librando denied the claims, assuring that both Kawasan Falls and the Badian canyoneering site remain “safe and stable.”

“We assure the public that Badian Canyoneering and Kawasan Falls remain safe and stable, and our Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) has conducted immediate site inspections to ensure the safety of both tourists and workers,” Librando said.

He explained that reported ground movements in nearby areas did not affect the canyons, waterfalls, or surrounding environment.

Librando also reminded the public that spreading false information is a punishable offense.

“Be reminded that spreading false information is punishable under Philippine law. Violators may face imprisonment and/or fines under these laws,” he said.

The mayor cited Article 154 of the Revised Penal Code and Republic Act No. 10175 or the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012, both penalizing the publication or online spread of false or defamatory news.

The municipal government urged residents and visitors to rely only on the “Breathtaking Badian” page for verified information and to promote truthful, responsible tourism.(MyTVCebu)