TOURISTS, trekkers, and biking enthusiasts visiting the 13 barangays of Tuba in Benguet province are advised to inform barangay officials and the police of their presence in the area.
Tuba Municipal Police Station deputy for operations Inspector Rolando Lagayan said it is a standing policy by the various barangays in the municipality and the tourist destination for hikers and bike enthusiasts to formally report themselves to officials upon arrival in a specific area to have a physical account of their presence.
Part of the policy being implemented by barangay officials in tourist destination is the accounting of contact records and the dissemination of background information of the area.
"In the event that someone maybe reported missing, the police renders a 24 hour deadline before formally declaring him, her or them as missing," Lagayan said.
He pointed out that the time frame given to relatives before being listed as missing, is to give time for them to return to their family or relatives, unless all efforts done to locate an individual have proven to be negative.
Some of the destinations frequented by tourists is the various hot springs along Kennon Road and Asin, while trekkers and bikers often visit Mt. Sto. Tomas and the Mt. Cabuyao area where an ongoing TEPO order coming from the Regional Environment and Natural Resources department is still being applied.
Lagayan added it is important for tourists, trekkers and bike enthusiasts to gather the contact numbers of various police stations in case of emergencies.
