A private resort in Panglao has pushed back against social media accounts of an incident involving a foreign national on its premises, alleging the tourist entered under false pretenses, gave a nonexistent room number, and turned physically aggressive toward security staff — and that he already had a visible facial injury before the confrontation took place.
Marilou Resort, in a statement issued to the public, said the incident arose from routine security procedures applied to the foreign male after he entered the property without establishing that he was a registered guest.
According to the resort’s account, staff courteously informed the tourist that the establishment was private and asked him to verify his accommodation.
When asked to identify his room, the foreign national said he was staying in room “15.”
Resort personnel informed him that no such room exists.
Despite this, the tourist proceeded toward the restaurant area and stopped responding to further inquiries from staff.
The confrontation escalated when the foreign national splashed water on a security guard and behaved aggressively, the resort said.
Marilou Resort also disclosed that the tourist already had a bandage on his face prior to the incident — an apparent rebuttal to any claims that resort personnel caused or contributed to the visitor’s injuries.
“The resort rejects premature conclusions and misleading characterizations being circulated online,” management said, urging the public to assess the matter based on all relevant facts and witness accounts “rather than on partial or unverified information.”
Panglao Mayor Edgardo F. Arcay has since ordered a fact-finding investigation, acknowledging the resort’s statement while cautioning all parties against drawing conclusions before the probe is completed.
“The rule of law and due process must prevail,” Arcay’s office said. “Any determination regarding infraction and responsibility should always be based on verified facts rather than assumptions, speculation, or public opinion.”
The mayor urged the public to exercise restraint and allow investigators to work without interference.
The resort said it would cooperate with authorities as necessary.