Top Batangas diving site yields 40 bags of garbage

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Air Force (PAF) divers collected 40 bags of garbage off the coast of Anilao in Mabini, Batangas in yesterday’s military cleanup drive dubbed as “Scubasurero.”

Col. Ernesto Okol, PAF spokesman, said the teams of divers led by PAF commander Lt. Gen. Lauro de la Cruz spent almost an hour underwater collecting garbage, including empty plastic bottles and household waste, in what is considered one of the country’s premier diving sites.

Okol said the cleanup is part of the PAF’s 66th pre-anniversary celebration this year. Being a popular diving site, the waters of Anilao are now threatened with uncontrolled waste disposal due to the influx of foreign and local divers, he said.

“After the successful cleanup of the area, it is now up to the local beach clubs and resort owners to maintain the cleanliness of the beaches,” Okol said.