High ranking officials of the PNP Region 6 held an ocular inspection of BTAC

Written by Gloria Villas

“We serve and protect”

This is the slogan that the Philippine National Police (PNP) adheres to in order to stop different kinds of crime in the country.

Regarding this, different high ranking officials of the PNP Region 6 recently arrived in Boracay to visit the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC).

According to Deputy Police Inspector Fidel Gentallan of the Boracay PNP, this is a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) of the high ranking officials of the agency to have an ocular inspection on lower units wherein one of those strictly alerted is Boracay.

Gentallan said such is the case since the island is considered one of the popular and favorite destinations of tourists and also because of its “in-demand” bars and resorts.

Meanwhile, as preparation for “summer” a time when flock of vacationers is expected, authorities tightened their force for quick crime deterrence in Boracay.

Included in those who visited the island was Chief Superintendent Josephus Angan of the Police Regional Office (PRO-6), Police Provincial Directors and other high ranking officials of the Aklan Police Office (APPO).

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Burying of cement debris in Boracay’s white sands has negative effects, said UPMSI

Written by Jay-ar Arante

Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF)’s buried demolition debris may have a negative effective on the island’s white sands.

This is according to Dr. Miguel Fortes of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute (UPMSI).

Dr. Fortes, who is also a CECAM Project Manager said, that based on their studies the said debris may cause harm to the white sands such as discoloration.

The doctor added that it would rather be beneficial if they were piled up in an area where it can be used as ornaments or let algae grow in them as an additional tourist attraction.

SB Member Frolibar Bautista meanwhile said that burying the debris wasn’t thoroughly given a thought and or experimented.

With this, the SB Malay was a little dismayed with the said incident that occurred in Boracay.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Inspection team of the APEC SUMMIT-impressed with the LGU’s preparation

Written by Bert Dalida

The Inspection Team of the APEC SUMMIT was impressed in the preparation of the LGU of Malay.

In a Dinner, Presentation and Open Forum related to the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in a resort Monday night, February 3, Deputy Dir. General for Conference Services Ambassador, Ma. Angelina Catalina said she was impressed particularly with the arranged security and warm welcome they received from the LGU and private sectors.

Moreover, in the same forum, the Ambassador said that the relationship between the local government and the community is important, and thinking of the welfare of people in the island is vital.

The APEC Inspection Team inspected on Monday, February 03 high quality hotels, accommodations, and transport infrastructures in the island in preparation for the Philippine APEC Hosting.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Tourists in Boracay, not exempted from ordinance on sandcastle making

Written by Bert Dalida

Tourists in Boracay are not exempted from the ordinance that prohibits sandcastle making.

According to the Malay Auxiliary Police (MAP), based on Municipal Ordinance Number 246 Series of 2007, making a sandcastle at the beach front is prohibited particularly the big once and are used commercially.

The said sand formations can destroy the natural terrain of the shore line.

Nonetheless, the MAP added that they would allow those who are making smaller sandcastles for tourists to enjoy.

The Ordinance meanwhile clarifies and specifies the penalties for violators.

Tourists usually enjoy sandcastle making because of the sand’s cooler and very fine properties.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

BRTF, asks for “enough time” in line with sea wall demolition

Written by Bert Dalida

The Boracay Redevelopment Task Force (BRTF) is asking for more time in line with the sea wall demolition in Boracay.

According to Ms. Mabel Bacani of the BRTF Secretariat, they are following a process and or stages to ensure the protection of the island’s beaches as well as the properties of the establishments affected.

The BRTF admits that they were not expecting that the sands they piled up will be washed off back to the sea after burying the debris from demolished sea wall.

The sands also covered up the sea grass requiring them to remove it.

Meanwhile, Bacani said that the pipes and water lines buried in the area are the reason why they dug up a shallow excavation for the debris.

Bacani added that it should be buried back again for foundation, they will however remove what can be removed.

The BRTF has demolished the sea walls in Boracay’s beach front for almost a month now.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Demolition at the West Cove Resort, already started by the LGU

Written by Jay-ar M. Arante

The demolition at the West Cove Resort at Diniwid Boracay on Wednesday, 8:30 in the morning of February 5 was spearheaded by the LGU of Malay.

The demolition team started demolishing the deck area which is still a part of the demolition being implemented by the Boracay Redevelopment Task Force.

Aquino’s lawyer faced the authorities at the demolition, while the owner of West Cove, Crisostomo “Kris” Aquino was not present.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was at hand and served the demolition order to West Cove Resort.

The demolition which has been awaited for a year to start was also attended and witnessed by the he Department of Tourism.

It can be recalled that the West Cove Resort was embroiled in controversy when it was handed an order by the DENR, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the LGU of Malay for its violation of the law on environment.

Meanwhile, the DENR and the LGU of Malay are expecting that the demolition will be continuous on what had been named as the “mother of all violators” in Boracay.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus

Boracay PNP, bothered by the increasing number of illegal tour guides in Boracay

Written by Jay-ar Arante

The Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) is worried about the increasing number of illegal tour guides in the island of Boracay.

This is in line with the subsequent theft cases on the island that involved the said illegal tour guides.

For this reason, the Boracay PNP are looking for ways and means to totally hinder these ill intentioned individuals and the crimes they commit.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Regulations Enforcement Unit (TREU) said that they will not let these illegal acts to continually occur, particularly now that the summer season is arriving.

The TREU also reminds about the required registration of tour guides to the LGU Malay in order to acquire a permit to operate.

Moreover, the authorities advise the tourists in Boracay to be vigilant and or be aware when dealing with tour guides.

Translated by Shelah Casiano

Inspection team for the APEC 2015 to visit Boracay in the afternoon

Written by Mackie Pajarillo

The Inspection Team for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit 2015 is set to arrive in Boracay Island on Monday afternoon, February 3.

The team is scheduled to inspect reputable hotels, accommodations and transport infrastructures in the island for the APEC Hosting.

The cleanliness of the island and even tourism attractions, business and shopping centers will also be inspected.

It was learned that the inspection team which will be arriving at 1:30pm will inspect the Caticlan Airport, Caticlan Jetty Port, and also the Tambisaan Port.

Deputy Director General for Conference Services, Ambassador Ma. Angelina Sta. Catalina will lead the inspection team.

The inspection is set for two days.

The Office of the President was said to have included the town of Malay for the Philippine APEC Hosting which is why the local government is thoroughly making preparation for the event.

Translated/Edited by Rodel J. Abalus