The Bagbag Beach in Barangay Baybay Norte here, popularly known as the ‘Little Batanes’ of Pangasinan, was closed to tourists or residents from outside of this town.

In an interview on Monday, Sual chief of police Capt. Fredwin Sernio said checkpoints and inspecting teams have been deployed to ensure tourists will not enter the newest attraction here.

But Sernio said the beach is still open to residents here.

He added the closure of the beach was done for the rehabilitation and protection of the area.

“The beach will reopen once the Sangguniang Bayan (SB) has passed the ordinance, citing the protection of the area and regulations for visitors there,” he said.

However, the planned ordinance is less likely to be passed this year because of the upcoming holiday break of the SB, he added.

Mayor Liseldo Calugay issued on Nov. 28 Executive Order (EO) No. 66 that effected immediately the closure to tourists of the Bagbag Beach.

The tourist site is closed until revoked by Calugay due to the sudden influx of tourists from the different parts of the province, which resulted in the violation of health protocols against coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) and proper waste disposal.

“There is the need to protect and enhance the quality of the municipality’s natural resources,” the EO stated.

Bagbag beach or the Little Batanes of Pangasinan became popular after it trended on social media. (PNA)