DILG sacks Aklan town mayor for negligence in Boracay management

BORACAY ISLAND — The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Wednesday served a dismissal order on Mayor Ciceron Cawaling of Malay town in Aklan, hours after he returned to his post after serving a six-month preventive suspension.

The Ombudsman ordered the dismissal of Cawaling in relation to the administrative complaint filed against 17 officials for their negligence in the management of Boracay Island.

Also ordered dismissed was municipal licensing officer Jen Salsona, according to sources in the DILG and the Malay municipal government who asked not to be named for lack of authority to issue a statement.

Cawaling’s suspension stemmed from administrative charges over environmental violations and unregulated and illegal development activities on the island.

He reported to the mayor’s office around 8 a.m. after a caravan joined by his supporters around the main streets of the municipality.

Acting Mayor Abram Sualog returned to his post as vice mayor.

“I have served the suspension order and ready to continue with my work,” Cawaling told the INQUIRER before the dismissal order was served.

The Ombudsman ordered the preventive suspension of Cawaling on October 25, 2018, on the eve of the reopening of Boracay to tourists after a six-month closure to undergo rehabilitation. /lzb