Two tourists arrested in Boracay over fake RT-PCR test results

Two tourists were arrested in Boracay last week after they allegedly presented fake RT-PCR test results for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Acting Malay Mayor Frolibar Bautista said the tourists arrived in Boracay on December 29 from Metro Manila.

Upon verification with the clinic that issued the negative RT-PCR test results, authorities found that the documents were faked.

The tourists are undergoing quarantine at the Aklan Training Center while waiting to get an RT-PCR test on January 4, 2021. Charges will also be filed against them.

The tourists declined to comment.

Last Dec 7, 2020, six tourists were also arrested for presenting fake COVID-19 test results.

Of the six results submitted by the group from Luzon, only one was found to be authentic. The accredited testing center where the swab test took place also verified this fact.

Meanwhile, mass testing of hotel workers in Boracay was put on hold to give way to airport staff after eight Kalibo International Airport employees contracted the COVID-19.

The Aklan Provincial Health Office said airport staff would be prioritized for testing.

Prior to this development, 80 percent of 1,400 hotel workers on the tourist destination had undergone testing.

Aklan has tallied a total of 451 infections, 66 of which remain active while 15 have died. (GMA News)