Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu on Wednesday said the flattening of a mountain in Aklan’s Boracay Island was conducted before its closure, and had already been stopped.
“Facebook posts by netizens regarding the alleged flattening of a mountain near the eco-village multi-purpose gym in Boracay have reached my office,” he said in a statement.
“Like everyone else, we are also deeply bothered by such acts of total disregard of the government’s effort to rehabilitate Boracay,” he added.
Based on report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ field office, the flattening of the mountain occurred prior to the island’s closure due to environmental woes, he cited.
“To be clear to all that we mean business in the enforcement of environmental laws, rules and regulations, I have ordered with the concurrence of the Boracay inter-agency task force, a total stoppage of all constructions of any kind effective immediately,” he said.
“I have also ordered a moratorium on the issuance of DENR permits, including but not limited to environmental compliance certificate, tree cutting permit, except those relating to ongoing road widening project by the Department of Public Works and Highways and other licenses,” Cimatu said.
Meanwhile, flag carrier Philippine Airlines is considering operating flight services at San Vicente Airport which is now open for commercial flights to boost the tourism industry in Palawan islands.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines announced that after the inauguration last week, the facility would begin to cater to commercial flights, providing more access to various tourist destinations in Palawan.
“The airport is two hours away from the world-famous El Nido Island. It is strategically positioned making it an ideal gateway to the famous island,” said PAL corporate communications chief and spokesperson Ma. Cielo Villaluna in her Facebook account.
“So is PAL opening flights to and from San Vicente Airport? The airline is studying that move and will make the appropriate announcement,” she added.
El Nido, a municipality on Palawan island, is known for white-sand beaches, coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with steep cliffs.
The PAL management recently came up with the adjusted flight frequency in support of the government’s decision to temporarily close or limit access to the world famous Boracay for urgent major environmental rehabilitation of the island.
The airline expanded flights to a number of other Philippine tourist and provincial destinations to help ensure the continued growth of domestic tourism.