In Malapascua: Capitol eyes raps against owner of resort for corals

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia said Capitol is now considering the filing of a case against a resort owner that allegedly ordered the collection of corals from the shores of Malapascua island.

To find out whether there is basis for the filing of charges against Bangiti Cove owner Gilbert Woolbright, the governor has directed the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-7 to look into the collection of corals at the Malapascua shores as well as the extraction of sand used for the construction of the rip-rap walls of said resort.

PENRO chief Glenn Baricuatro said he already had the matter referred to the DENR and that the violator should be prosecuted.

Provincial Board member Victor Maambong also opined the act is illegal under the law.

Should these agencies find sufficient ground to prove that a violation in the law was indeed committed, Garcia said the provincial legal office will certainly file a case against Woolbright.

The governor, who just arrived last Sunday night from an official trip in Malaysia, said dead or not the collection of corals per se is illegal under Republic Act 8550 and even the extraction of sand, so that she also requested for an incident report from other concerned agencies because the sand might have been extracted somewhere else and transported to the island.

And while Daanbantayan Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot explained she allowed the removal of "dead stones" as these cause damage to jet skies and other sea craft, the governor opined otherwise.

"While we welcome development, it should never be at the cost of our environment and coastal resources. And if I am to choose between development and preservation, I will choose the latter," Garcia said. Also, while Loot said Woolbright has no derogatory record in Daanbantayan town, Garcia said, "I don't know what that has to do with the collection of corals and extraction of sand."

The Malapascua Island Eco-tourism Development Plan task force led by Capitol consultant on security Byron Garcia has scored with the arrest of Woolbright and a caretaker last Friday.

"It is not yet an accomplishment, but it is a very clear signal that we mean business. I mean what I say and I say what I mean no matter what the cost," she pointed out.

On behalf of the governor, Byron has last September 15 announced that owners and/or operators of beach resorts and other tourism-related establishments whose facilities encroach within the 20-meter salvage zone have 10 more days to voluntarily tear down illegal structures.

Garcia said after the 10-day grace period, the provincial government will then put up an outpost for the task force to monitor the implementation of the multi-pronged MIEDP in said island. - Cristina C. Birondo/MEEV