The Bureau of Customs (BoC) will investigate allegations of misconduct by officers at Bohol Panglao International Airport following complaints from Korean tourists, Gov. Aris Aumentado announced.
Customs Collector Ariel Nepomuceno is scheduled to visit Bohol in August 2025 to probe reports that customs officers engaged in questionable practices, Aumentado told Bohol media.
The Land Transportation Office will also investigate allegations of excessive transport fares from the airport to hotels.
LTO Regional Director Glen Galario plans to visit the province soon to examine pricing complaints, the governor said.
Aumentado cited the customs issues and high transportation costs as factors contributing to a decline in Korean tourist arrivals to the province.
Lucas Nunag, chairman of the Bohol Provincial Tourism Council, said the drop in Korean visitors is not unique to Bohol.
Korean officials have cited security and safety issues as reasons for avoiding the Philippines, while more Korean travelers are choosing Vietnam for its more affordable packages, he said.
Meanwhile, Aumentado said he is considering reopening whale watching activities that were suspended earlier this year due to violations of marine animal feeding ordinances.
The closures affected operators in the towns of Albur, Dauis and Lila, eliminating a source of livelihood for hundreds of Bohol residents.
The governor said he wants to limit whale watching to a single area, similar to arrangements in Cebu and Sorsogon provinces.