Boracay bars swimming on Feast of St. John the Baptist


KIDS swim at the famous beach front in Boracay Island when the country’s most famous beach destination reopened to local tourists last October. (Tara Yap)
ILOILO CITY – To stop the spread of COVID-19, swimming and any other water-related activities in Boracay Island and the rest of the coastal areas of Malay, Aklan are prohibited on the Feast of St. John the Baptist Thursday, June 24.

The Malay local government led by Mayor Frolibar Bautista has issued an advisory that June 24 gatherings at the beach or any coastal areas are prohibited.

The annual “San Juan” feast is generally celebrated by swimming and other-water related activities by the beach, river, or any coastal area.

“However, during this time of pandemic, allowing the celebration of San Juan is considered dangerous as COVID-19 cases in the municipality are continuously rising. We are asking for your understanding as we cannot risk the further increase of COVID-19 cases,” the Malay local government advisory stated.

As of June 23, there are 96 COVID-19 cases in Malay. As per the findings of the Malay Municipal Health Office, new COVID-19 cases have been traced from gatherings.