DENR-7 probes illegal structures in Bantayan Island

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 has created a nine-man team to investigate the reported illegal structures constructed within the 20-meter easement zone from the shorelines in Bantayan Island.

The team has started the investigation last Tuesday against some beach resorts in the island, said DENR-7 executive director Isabelo Montejo.

“The main purpose of the probe is to undertake a detailed, thorough, and comprehensive inventory on the expansion or construction of concrete structures made by some beach resorts within the demarcated 20-meter easement zone in Bantayan Island,” Montejo said.

Montejo said is expected to render a report and recommendation on June 9. He vowed that charges will be filed in court against erring resort operators.

The team, led by Protected Area and Wildlife Division chief Ariel Rica, is composed of Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Carmen, Cebu and Bantayan Island Wilderness Area  Protected Area Superintendent Roldan Cotejo; lawyer Unalee Monares, foresters Laurentino Bautista, Jimmy Panebio, Carlington Catadman, Vicente Rustico Calizar, Raul Pasoc, and Lorenz Gideon Esmero.

The court ordered in August 2009 the demolition of several illegal structures in Bantayan Island. The order issued by then Regional Trial Court Judge Marilyn Lagura-Yap specified the alleged illegal structures that need to be removed; Cottage in Abaniko Beach Resort; Seawall, concrete fence and a portion of the bar house in Tickety Boo Beach Resort; Seawall, bar and restaurant in Yoonek Beach Resort; Seawall, five kiosks, solid fence and two rest houses in Kota Beach Resort; Seawall, five kiosks in Marlin Beach Resort; and Seawall, bar and restaurant, and cottage in St. Bernard Beach Resort.

Also, the order stated “structures prejudice the inhabitants whose livelihood consists of fishing because, then, there is no space provided for their fishing boats or bancas on the shores. Most of the fisher folk live along side with these beach resorts. With the proliferation of structures jutting out on the beach fronts, the fisher folks do not have livelihood of the inhabitants because they prevent their right to enjoy free access to navigation, floatage and fishing, especially, a right guaranteed to them under the law.” — (FREEMAN)