BAGUIO CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT)-Cordillera will recommend the cancellation of the certificate of accreditation or closure of the Camp L&C Resort in Tabuk City, Kalinga where a nurse died after falling from their zip line Sunday, June 12.

Jovita Ganongan, DoT-Cordillera director, said they are just awaiting the investigation report to determine the facility’s responsibility in the incident.

“When we last inspected the area there was no zip line, so it was given DOT accreditation as a resort and their accreditation does not cover the presence of a zip line in their facility. They did not inform us that they installed a recreation zip line, so it is against DOT rules and regulations,” Ganongan said.

She said they have already sent a Notice to Explain to the resort owner saying that if there will be clear violations in their compliance with safety accreditation standards and if their violation is proven, they will recommend the cancellation of their certificate and closure of the resort.

The owner voluntarily closed the resort after the incident.

According to Ganongan, DOT accreditation, before being granted to a tourism-oriented establishment, must first comply with standards on facilities and services, especially safety.

“This is the government’s way to ensure that the tourism destinations that people go to meet industry standards,” Ganongan said.

Police said the victim, Paul Herbert Pallaya Gaayon, 31, of Purok 5, Bulanao Centro, Tabuk City, went for a second attempt at the zip line after he was unsuccessful on the first try.

The victim lost his grip on the handle of the zip line even before he could launch himself to the slide where he was supposed to land in the swimming pool.

Gaayon was taken to a hospital where he was declared dead. (with a report from PNA)