Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered the suspension of all dragon boat race ativities in Boracay after the incident on Wednesday that killed 8 and injured 13 dragon boat paddlers.
“We are temporarily suspending all dragon boat race activities in Boracay, including practice and training, until we have assessed their practice protocols,” Cimatu said.
He also called for a meeting on Monday with all agencies involved in the emergency rescue and response to conduct comprehensive assessment of protocols, logistics, and resources.
This is in order for them to come up with recommendations to address gaps subject to the approval of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF).
At least eight members of the Boracay Dragon Boat team were killed Wednesday after their boat capsized in waters off Barangay Manoc-manoc, Boracay Island.
The Philippine Coast Guard and LGU-Malay confirmed of the seven killed but information from the PNP Region-6 disclosed that eight paddlers perished from the sea tragedy.
There were 21 passengers on the boat but only 13 people were pulled out of the water alive including a Russian and a Chinese national.
Based on investigation, the team members was in the middle of their practice when strong waves hit their boats causing it to capsize.
The PCG team brought the 13 survivors to the Saint Gabriel Hospital for treatment.
(With reports from Bombo Christian Yosores)
