GENERAL LUNA, Siargao Island (MindaNews / 07 February) – An official of Surigao del Norte has called for an investigation of reports that a foreign national was organizing nude carabao (water buffalo) rides in this town.
Marlon Coro, president of the Provincial Councilors League of Surigao del Norte said he received a complaint about the activity being done by British national Liam Cox.
Several residents condemned the activity saying it doesn’t fit the local culture.
Cox said he regretted what happened and had apologized for it.
General Luna, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte. MindaNews photo by ROEL N. CATOTO
“In the light of recent events, it has come to our attention that some of the photos from our Carabao Ride that were posted on our social media pages caused quite a public stir. We sincerely apologize to anyone whose decency and good custom may have been offended.
“The ones we posted were behind-the-scenes photos of a shoot in the mountains with our friend who is an international tattoo model. No private parts nor any indecent pose were shown. Rest assured, consent was given by all participants across all angles of this happenstance. All photos have now been taken down. Again, we are sorry if you felt slighted,” he said.
Cox was seen in photo together with two foreign visitors who experienced the Carabao Ride.
Cox, who owns Druken Carabao Ride, organizes this ride for foreign guests and in turn pays the local farmers who own the carabaos.
He stressed that the pictures were taken in private lands not in public places.
In an interview he said he was worried over allegations that they are using illegal drugs.
Carabao riding is one of the activities that tourists may experience in this town which has become a popular surfing site. (Roel N. Catoto/MindaNews)
