By Moira Encina
Eagle News Service
The National Bureau of Investigation has filed charges against several Boracay resort owners and incumbent and former Malay, Aklan officials for their alleged violation of environmental laws that led to the deterioration of the once-pristine island.
Charged were Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawalig, former Malay Mayor John Yap, Municipal Engineering and Building Officer Elizer Casidsid, Municipal Zoning Administrator Alma Belejerdo, Municipal Assessor Erlinda Casimero, Provincial Assessor Kokoy Soguilon, Local Assessment Operations Officer 4 Roger Rembulat, Boracay Island Chief Operations Officer Glenn Sacapano, Environmental Management Specialist Tresha Lyn Lozanes and Boracay Foundation Inc. Director Pia Miraflores.
Also charged for violation of the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, Philippine Fisheries Code, Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Local Government Code were Boracay Island West Cove Management Philippines Incorporated and its owners and stockholders, Crisostomo Aquino, Maria Jovita Aquino, Marlon Aquino, Juan Fidel Aquino, Regine Erica Aquino and Lorna Aquino; Denichi Boracay Corporation and its incorporators Denichi Matsuo, Sheryl Zonio, Immanuel Sodusta, Angeles Sodusta and Socrates Canta.
The NBI also filed charges against Correos Internacionale Incorporated and its stockholders and officers Lim Chee Yong, Maria Christina Romualdez,Gene Arthur Go, George Lin Yuhui, Amelita Morales, Aileen De Mesa and Alex Alamsya; and Seven Seas Boracay Properties Incorporated and its incorporators Leo Angelo de Jesus, Maria Concepcion Soledad,Gabriel Tabalon, Amelita Morales Poppaw and Lim Chee Yong.
Boracay Tanawin Properties and its officials George Wells, Immanuel Sodusta and Kennylyn Gonzaga are also facing the same charges.
According to the NBI, the resorts continue to operate in a no-build zone even without a license and permit, and even with a directive for them to close.
“Respectfully forwarded for preliminary investigation are the following findings of the Environmental Crime Division, (NBI), Task Force Boracay,” the complaint read.
It was Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra who ordered the NBI to form Task Force Boracay to investigate those behind the deterioration of the island, which President Rodrigo Duterte has called a “cesspool.”