Local government authorities decided to indefinitely close Sagada’s Sumaguing and Lumiang caves after a 15-year-old boy fell to his death while playing inside one of the famous tourist attractions on Monday afternoon, April 3.
The 8th-grade student from Balugan National High School was a local who used a back entry to enter the cave, Sun Star reports.
Rescue teams and tour guide rescue groups tried to save the boy’s life, but failed. His body was brought to Saint Theodore’s Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.
Sagada Tourism officer Robert Pangod said that locals who are familiar with the caves often use different entry points, which makes it difficult to control access to the area.
As of writing, only Balangagan cave remains open to tourists. Sumaguing, Lumiang and Crystal caves are closed.
The local government is trying to come up with a sustainable plan that will make the municipality more tourist-friendly.
