Canyoneering guide hurt in Kawasan Falls

BADIAN, Cebu — A canyoneering guide was injured in a rockfall incident along one of the trails leading to Kawasan Falls on Thursday morning, Oct. 23.

This happened shortly after Badian Municipal Council denounced false social media posts that claimed the world-renowned waterfall had “dried up.”

The Badian Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported that a 39-year-old guide sustained abrasions on his left shoulder and bruises on his ribcage after rocks fell during a guided canyoneering activity.

Badian Tourism Officer Earl Vincent Endab told The Manila Times that the tour guide was safe and was immediately sent for medication after the incident.

Following the incident, the Municipality of Badian released an official statement emphasizing that it was an isolated case and reaffirming that safety protocols continue to be strictly enforced for all adventure activities in the town.

“Canyoneering is one of Badian’s most iconic adventure experiences, attracting thousands of visitors each year who seek to explore the breathtaking canyons and crystal-clear waters leading to the world-renowned Kawasan Falls,” the statement read.

“However, it is important to recognize that canyoneering is a nature-based adventure activity that comes with inherent risks due to its natural environment,” it added.

The statement explained that the terrain is continuously shaped by nature’s forces such as water flow, erosion, and weather changes, which may cause slippery rock surfaces, strong currents, and even rare occurrences of falling rocks or debris.

These are natural characteristics of the environment that make the experience both thrilling and challenging.

The town, through its Tourism Office and in coordination with accredited guides and operators, said it strictly enforces safety protocols to minimize risks.

These include the mandatory use of helmets and life vests, the presence of trained guides with each group, daily monitoring of weather and water conditions, regular trail and equipment inspections, and temporary suspension of activities when conditions are unsafe.

“We assure the public that the recent incident was an isolated case and does not reflect the overall safety of the activity,” they added.

The statement also reminded visitors that canyoneering in Badian remains a safe, guided, and well-managed adventure as long as participants follow safety rules and cooperate with accredited guides.

The rockfall incident came shortly after the Badian Sangguniang Bayan passed a resolution identifying five individuals behind misleading social media posts that falsely claimed Kawasan Falls had “dried up.”

The Cebu Provincial Tourism Office also announced that it will issue a travel advisory to counter misinformation and reassure tourists that Cebu remains safe and open for travel. KAISER JAN FUENTES