Sagada BANS tourism establishments found involved in ‘fraud’

Sagada, Philippines – After further review and investigation of complaints on fraud and misrepresentation, the Sagada local government declared a certain tour organizer ‘undesirable’ and banned her and her tourism partners from conducting tourism-related business in the town.

Earlier this month, the Sagada LGU temporarily banned some tour organizers, coordinators, accommodations, travel and tour agencies, and tour guides who are involved in the alleged ‘fraud, misrepresentation, and unethical conduct’ case filed against a certain Rona Shane Sanchez.

On August 19, the LGU through Sangguniang Bayan resolution No. 156 series of 2025 declared Sanchez, a tour organizer, as ‘undesirable within the territorial jurisdiction of Sagada’ after their investigation on the complaints filed against her. Sanchez, along with a certain Bryan Pineda Bonifacio (BOOOK and GOO Travel and Tours), was also banned from conducting tourism-related business in Sagada.

The LGU warned local tourism-accredited individuals or establishments against conducting business with Sanchez as they may have their municipal permits and accreditation revoked.

Additionally, the SB resolution no. 156 indefinitely suspended some individuals and entities from engaging in any tourism-related activities within Sagada due to direct ‘collaboration, improper referrals, and other acts detrimental to the local tourism industry of the municipality, and failing to attend the scheduled hearing to clarify complaints which involved their names’.

They are identified by the LGU as Najarah S. Bansao (Van South Travel and Tours), Pheey Fey Feid Darang (Van South Travel and Tours), Bashit Darang, Barry Estrimos, Edmer P. Albay, ajd Arce Buendia.

Moreover, accredited tourism service providers like Theodore Dangkiw (Tour Guide), Sagada Ethnos Tour Guides Organization (SETGO), and Nessey Lodge (Accommodation) have suspended for a month.

The LGU, meantime, cleared Dinno De Jesus (“Biyahe ni Dino”), Sister Travel and Tours (Joycel Sanchez), Jaha Travel and Tours (Jewel Sanchez Rusiana), Lara Lans Oy, and Rommel Lobos of direct involvement in the primary offenses but were formally reprimanded to strictly adhere to tourism ordinances.

The Sagada Tourism, through their Facebook, appealed to the public to report to their office any future tourism-related activities of the banned individuals and entities.

“The public is advised to report any future Tourism-related Transactions of the BANNED entities in Sagada to the Municipal Government for proper action,” the office wrote on Facebook.