The Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor is a popular tourist destination in Bataan. However, due to the ongoing pandemic and surge in COVID-19 cases in nearby areas, the Pilar town government has placed a cap on the number of visitors who would be allowed here. (Photo by Greg Refraccion)
PILAR, Bataan鈥擫ocal tourists visiting the Mt. Samat Shrine of Valor will be restricted to 200 visitors at a time as a precautionary measure against the surge of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) infections.
According to Mayor Charlie Pizarro, the shrine, which honors the bravery of World War II soldiers, is now heavily guarded against tourists from other provinces.
鈥淲e can accommodate only local residents in the meantime that COVID-19 cases are on the rise,鈥� Pizarro told reporters here.
He said he was still unsure if ceremonies commemorating Bataan Day on Mt. Samat will take place this year, given the increase in COVID-19 cases in Metro Manila and neighboring provinces.
Although Bataan province is now considered a low-risk region in Central Luzon, local officials strictly enforce border and checkpoint protocols.