17 Aklan officials face administrative and criminal charges over Boracay mess

Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing and DILG lawyers | CTTO

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) filed a criminal and graft charges against 17 officials of Aklan province and Malay town for alleged neglect of duty that resulted in environmental problems and illegal development activities on Boracay Island.

An Investigation Team headed by Interior Undersecretary Epimaco Densing and DILG lawyers prepared the administrative and criminal complaints against the officials filed with the Office of the Ombudsman.

A graft charges filed against the following officials:

1. Malay Mayor Ciceron Cawaling
2. Aklan environment officer Valentin Talabero
3. Malay environment officer Edgardo Sancho
4. Malay municipal licensing officer Jen Salsona
5. Barangay Yapak Chairman Hector Casidsid
6. Barangay Manocmanoc Chairperson Chona Gabay
7. Barangay Balabag Chairperson Lilibeth Sacapaño

Boracay Island | CTTO

Boracay Island | CTTO

The following Aklan officials are subject of an administrative complaint:

1. Aklan Governor Florencio Miraflores
2. Malay Vice Mayor Abram Sualog
3. Malay council members Natalie Cawaling-Paderes, Jupiter Gallenero, Frolibar Bautista, Llopyd Maming, Dalidig Sumndad, Maylynn Aguirre-Graf, Danilo Delos Santos, and Dante Pagsuguiron.

The Aklan officials had earlier denied committing violations but admitted the Island had a lot of problems that needs the help of the national government.

DILG Undersecretary Epimaco Densing said it was just the first batch of charges as the state Auditor are still investigating how local officials had spent environmental fees collected from all tourists in Boracay in the last 5 years.

Boracay Island | CTTO

"We would look into how much was collected and how it was utilized"

President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the closure of Boracay Island to tourists starting April 26 after he described the world renowned beach destination a "cesspool" due to its environmental problems.

The Task Force Boracay scheduled to meet next month to discuss the soft opening of Boracay on October 26.

“We want to define the soft opening – which establishments will be allowed to operate." Densing said

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Source: philstar