Paitan River will be temporarily closed to the public and swimming activities will be prohibited, according to an announcement made by the Naujan Public Information Office.

The recommendation was made due to the significant hazards present along the river, posing potential risks not only to indigenous people but also to visitors, it said.

The decision was based on the collective recommendations of the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, led by LDRRM Officer Joery Geroleo, the Municipal Tourism Office represented by Tourism Coordinator Disoy Gillado, IPMR Rogelio P. Banlugan, and the Barangay Council of Paitan through Kagawad Leopoldo Dimayuga.

The closure order was further justified by the ongoing construction of the Flood Control Mega Road Dike Project in the area. The project has resulted in hazardous conditions along the route leading to the river, prompting the need for caution and temporary closure.

The input of the residents of Barangay Paitan was also taken into account during the decision-making process.