Cimatu worries Boracay rehab may go beyond 6 months

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu is worried that the cleanup and rehabilitation works in Boracay island might need to be extended beyond the six-month deadline.

In an interview on Dobol B sa News TV on Friday, Cimatu said he is worried that more time may be needed as he was surprised that there were 43 illegal pipes unearthed on the island's beachfront, where tourists usually go for swimming.

"I was expecting na wala pong tubo rito...," the Environment chief said.

A technical team from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources conducted a survey along the white beach using Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR).

The inspection was made after high levels of coliform bacteria were found in the waters at the beachfront, according to Cimatu.

The Cabinet official said establishments installed pipes on their own without obtaining the necessary permits. The unearthed pipes were also proof of violation of the 25 meters plus 5 meters no-build zone from the shoreline.

Criminal and administrative cases as well as fines amounting to P10,000 to P200,000 per day await those found responsible for the installation of illegal pipes, Cimatu said.

While the Environment chief said he is worried that cleanup works in Boracay might need an extension, he clarified that as of the moment the government is still on-track with the rehabilitation.

Cimatu said 100 soldiers from the military will help in removing the illegal pipes and assist the inter-agency task force in meeting the scheduled re-opening of the island.

Boracay was ordered closed by President Duterte for six months starting from April 26, 2018 to give way to its cleanup and rehabilitation. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA News