HAZARDOUS WATERS These boys take a dip amid algal blooms in the hazardous waters off Boracay in this photo taken in March 2017. According to researchers, the green algae feeds on human waste coming from nearby establishments. —JILSON SECKLER TIU
Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Año on Thursday said that the agency has launched an investigation into the possible liability of local officials over the “crisis” in Boracay Island after President Duterte likened it to a “sewer pool” due to pollution.
“The local government is accountable for the crisis faced by Boracay. They should have enforced environmental laws as well as their own local ordinances,” said Año in media release.
The presence of commercial establishments, some beyond the prescribed distance from the coastline, would not be possible without building and business permits issued by the local officials of Malay, Aklan province.
“Why did the LGU allow establishments to be built in areas classified as forest lands? Why did the Barangay issue the necessary clearances? This we intend to find out and soon,” said Año.
Administrative and criminal charges will be filed against government officials based on the results of the ongoing investigation, Año warned.
“We are expediting this and we will go where the evidence brings us,” he said.
Also on Thursday, Department Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu said that at least 50 establishments in Boracay have been served notices of violation for their non-compliance with water treatment laws.
President Duterte has threated to close down the world famous island if it would not be cleaned in six months.
Año added that the President’s threat to file charges against the local government for serious neglect of duty “is a much-needed wakeup call” to both the LGU and business establishments who share the responsibility of preserving Boracay.
While the focus now is on Boracay, the local government chief reminded other LGUs across the country that they should also “shape up without waiting to be rebuked.”
“Kailangan pa bang masita bago umayos? Kailangan pa ba ng ultimatum galing pa sa Pangulo bago umaksiyon (Do they need to be called out first before they shape up? Do they need an ultimatum from the President first before they take action)? The gradual ruin of our environment is already being felt as calamities devastate the country many times in a year,” he said. /je