I recently had my bag with belongings, cash and cards stolen
from a chair at the Boracay Regency Beach Resort and Spa run by Henann Group of
Resorts.
As a guest staying in the hotel it was disappointing to learn
they refused to pay any form of compensation for a loss which occurred in their own marked out area on the beach, right under the watch of
their security guards.
The resort manager Dindo Salazar said they take no
responsibility and that they are forced to hire 3rd party security guards by the government. He indicated that upon speaking to the
security firm that the 2 guards on duty that morning were to be relieved of
their duties.
The police at the station where the crime was reported told me
the resort should take responsibility for thefts at their property. Seems like
common sense, socially responsible, and good customer service to do so. This
especially when a
paying guest has been stolen from, inconvenienced and stressed from a theft off a resort chair.
paying guest has been stolen from, inconvenienced and stressed from a theft off a resort chair.
The police said there was a report that the thief took my bag
and slid it up the front of their shirt, then took off down the road.
Apparently this all happened on a very quiet beach at 7am without the security
or other resort staff noticing.
I was told by Dindo that my request for compensation could only
be authorised by the owners of the resort, and after he brought up my case with
both Karl Chusuey and Henry Chusuey (owners of Boracay Regency Beach Resort and
Spa and Henann Resorts) that they refused to pay.
Take
this as a warning about the safety of Boracay, and the perceived safety of
leaving your belongings within the secure area of resorts.