Palace calls for safety of tourists

The traumatic experience of the family of broadcaster Karen Davila in Siargao island should serve as a “wake-up call” to local governments, Malacañang said yesterday.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Martin Andanar, a native of Surigao, said medical and life-saving equipment should always be present especially in areas where adventure sports like wind and board surfing are the main attraction.

“We are sorry to learn about the unfortunate incident that happened to DJ (Sta. Ana) and Karen’s son, David,” Andanar said in a text message. “Let this serve as a wake-up call to national and local government that the safety of all tourists is of paramount importance.”

Last week, Davila complained about the lack of medical personnel, life guards and medicine in Siargao after her son David figured in an accident.

The ABS-CBN news anchor said David’s trainer “suddenly disappeared” after showing her husband where to buy antiseptic, cotton and gauze.

“No one was there to assist my husband or my son who was bleeding! No nurse, no first aid, no one,” Davila wrote in an online post.

Davila said Mayor Jaime Rusillon of General Luna town had told her that the municipality lacked doctors because it is a fifth class municipality. Siargao is located in General Luna.

The television host also criticized the lack of vetting system for surfing trainers.

“Safety clearly isn’t top priority,” Davila said.

“It’s time we professionalize surfing instructors as they do in other countries. Let’s stop being a backyard operation that may cost the lives of people,” she said.

The tourism department has vowed to look into the incident.