In Malapascua Island: Martinez: Organizing tourism board will curb “drug issue”

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu Provincial Board is pushing for the speedy implementation of the Malapascua Island Eco-Tourism Development Board so that issues hounding the town, such as reported “drug problems” would be addressed.

The “drug problem” in Malapascua Island in Daanbantayan town was among the issues brought up by resorts owners in a meeting with some Capitol officials recently.

Provincial Board Member Celestino Martinez III said one resort owner told him that some foreigners look for drugs during their stay in the island.

“Kuyawan sila kay it might lead to another crime,” Martinez said.

Martinez was with the members of the PB committee on tourism led by Vice Governor Agnes Magpale who visited the place last week after a British dive shop operator was shot by his own security guard.

Martinez said illegal drugs are reportedly not sourced locally but from foreigners who go to the island for a vacation.

Among the proposals Martinez raised is to strengthen security measures by having a one-entrance, one-exit policy for visitors of the island.

But before imposing the policy, Martinez said it was suggested in a meeting with local officials to activate the tourism board to come up with specific action.

“Kato gyud ang implementation sa development plan sa Malapascua to be reconsidered, studied and implemented,” he said.

It was found out during the officials’ visit in the island that only one policeman is on standby in the area.

Martinez said the Provincial Capitol vowed to put up a police outpost in an area identified by the barangay.

He said they are also asking the Cebu Provincial Police Office to augment at least four policemen in the island.

They are also planning to utilize barangay tanods and other volunteers to secure resorts instead of hiring security guards.

Martinez believes the drug problem does not only exist in Malapascua Island but also in other tourist destination like Bantayan Island.

“Mas maayo i-strengthen gyud ang intelligence network nila diha sa area to really curb the incidence of drug use diha,” he added. —/ATO (FREEMAN)