This photo from the NBI shows the illegal occupation and construction of a resort at a foreshore land in Zambales. /National Bureau of Investigation Facebook page
MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation has arrested four persons for alleged illegal occupation and construction of a resort at a foreshore land in Zambales.
NBI Director Eric Distor said in a statement that the arrest of Lovelian Reyes Bool, Renato Monsalud, Marcelino Gustero Mañosa Jr., and Apollo Tabios Constantino came after thorough surveillance to confirm the report the bureau received regarding illegal occupation and construction of a resort in Botolan town.
According to NBI, undercover operatives posing as clients went to the place to take photos and check amenities on June 15.
NBI said it consequently asked the suspects for an Environment Compliance Certificate and Miscellaneous Lease Agreement/Foreshore Lease Agreement issued by DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) for the ongoing construction of the resort but they failed to provide the necessary documents.
NBI identified Bool as the manager of the resort, and Mañosa as the engineer or contractor checking the overall progress of the project. NBI also said Monsalud is the one who supposedly oversees documents for the resort while Constantino acts as supervisor of the workers.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in Iba, Zambales, told NBI that the construction of the resort is illegal because of an existing cease and desist order against the ongoing project.
The NBI-Environmental Crime Division said construction of floating cottages at the site continued in spite of the order.
Specifically, the bureau noted that the suspects violated the Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998, Water Code of the Philippines, and Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines for “constructing a jet ski port made of steel in the seashore, unauthorized obstruction of waterway by constructing a jet ski port, and occupying foreshore land, which, under the law, is owned by the state and an unclassified land of public domain.”