Baclayon Mayor Alvin Uy has ordered the temporary suspension of all water activities in Pamilacan Island following the drowning deaths of two Korean nationals.
The suspension was issued under Executive Order No. 57 on Wednesday, May 28, 2025, as authorities investigate the deaths of Kwon Sung Il, 77, and Choi Duk Sun, 73, both residents of Seoul, South Korea.
The two reportedly drowned during a water activity near the island earlier this week.
In a media interview, Uy said the suspended activities include snorkeling and diving.
However, he clarified that dolphin watching, a popular tourist attraction in the area, will continue.
On the other hand, two members of the Badjao community based in Dauis, Bohol, were confirmed dead after allegedly drowning while fishing off the coast of Apo Island, according to belated police reports released on May 22, 2025.
The victims were identified as Joel Tapsidani and BobongDaomani.
According to the Philippine Coast Guard Apo Island substation, a concerned citizen reported them missing after they failed to return from a fishing trip on May 20.
Authorities believe the two were using spear guns and a compressor to catch fish and may have become trapped underwater, leading to their deaths. Their bodies were recovered by divers on May 22 and brought to a funeral home in Bacong, Negros Oriental.
A police report indicated that the victims were allegedly involved in illegal fishing activities within the protected marine reserve using prohibited equipment.
Apo Island is recognized as a premier diving destination and marine sanctuary in the Philippines.