Cliff diving site still open despite closure order

A famous cliff diving and eco-adventure resort in Buruanga, Aklan remains open despite of a closure order issued by the local government.

The resort, Ariel’s Point, still caters to both foreign and domestic tourists despite an order by the Buruanga municipal government for it to shut its doors for various alleged violations, including environmental violations and underpayment of taxes.

Ariel’s Point Manager Ruby Luces stated that the establishment’s management does not recognize the local government’s closure order and will wait instead for a final ruling from the court.

Vincent Larupay, Buruanga public information officer, said the closure order was issued last March 11 when the town council passed a resolution.

He said the Buruanga town council formed an investigating body after the local government received various complaints.

Luces said, however, that the issuance of a closure order is a manifestation that the Buruanga local government is only intent at “harassing” Ariel’s Point.

He added that the management of the resort will file a complain against the Buruanga local government before the Office of the Ombudsman.

In response, Larupay said the Buruanga local government will only respond once the Ombudsman calls for a probe to verify it’s alleged charges against Ariel’s Point.

Since its opening a few years ago, Ariel’s Point has gained popularity as a destination for tourists, particularly those with a penchant for extreme sports. The resort is only half an hour away from world-famous Boracay Island in neighboring Malay town.

An American newspaper once named Ariel’s Point as one of the best cliff diving spots in the world.