Korean hiker falls to death at Negros Occidental resort

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Philippines – A Korean tourist fell to his death while hiking at a Capitol-owned Mambukal Resort in Murcia town, Thursday, August 18.

Kim Kyung Jung, 64, a professor from South Korea, was declared dead upon arrival at a hospital in Bacolod City.

The victim, along with companions Luke Lee and Gyuny Lee, and tour guide Rolando Decatoria, was supposed to trek up to the 6th Falls of Mambukal, said resort manager Ellen Marie Jalandoni.

On their way to the 4th Falls, the group stopped to take photos, she said.

The victim sat down on a rock then just rolled off the cliff, she said, adding that the tour guide and his companions tried to help him but failed.

She added: “Upon investigation, the guide said that Mr Kim could have passed out since they didn’t hear him shout for help when he fell and wasn’t able to struggle or hold on to any vines. He went down on free fall.”

Before the tourists went up to the falls, they were made to sign the risk waiver, Jalandoni said.

The victim’s family is set to arrive Friday, August 19. They plan to have his body cremated Saturday, August 20, and bring him back to Korea on Monday, August 22, she said.

Jalandoni said they already asked the help of the provincial police in the investigation.

Acting Provincial Administrator Leo Eusebio believed that the incident will not scare away tourists from the resort.

He said that it was an accident and that the Capitol-owned resort is “very safe.”

“There are railings and warning signs in the area,” Eusebio added.

He said that the victim just got in the province before the incident and “was visiting here for two days.”

Eusebio assured that the provincial government will extend assistance to the victim’s family. – Rappler.com