NBI class charges against Aklan executives, Boracay's owners

Dozens of local government officials from Aklan Province and business owners, including foreigners, face a series of criminal charges to the Department of Justice for their alleged complicity in the destruction of Boracay Island. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Thursday and Friday arrived nearly three months after the closure of the country's first tourist destination by order of President Duterte on April 26.

Describing his once pristine white sand beach as a "cesspool," M. Duterte has closed the island to tourists for a six-month rehabilitation program, leaving tens of thousands of residents without work and without means of livelihood. "

" Cases were tabled by the working group NBI who was charged with violations of environmental laws in Boracay, "said Acting Attorney General Richard Anthony Fadullon

Respondents

Mayor Ceciro Cawaling, his predecessor John Yap, the city engineer Malaysian Elizer Casidsid, Municipal Assessor Kalibo Erlinda Casimero and Provincial Assessor Aklan Kokoy Soguilon

Also were indicted the Malaysian building official Azor Gelito, the local manager of Aklan Roger Rembulat's operations director Alma Belejerdo, director of operations of Boracay Island, Glenn Sacapano, head of Malaysian city directives, Glenn Sacapano, and former officials Provincial Representatives of Aklan, Enrique Claudio, Vicente Teodecio, Milagros Azarcon and Ramon Panagsagan

. Yooringa Corp., Boracay Tanawin Properties Inc., Denichi Boracay Corp., Correos Internacional Inc., Seven Seas Boracay Properties Inc. and Boracay Island West Cove Management Philippines Inc.

Development without Discrimination [19659002]] They were accused of violating environmental laws, Republic Act No. 3019, or the Law on Anti-Corruption Practices and Corruption, and Republic Act No. 7160, better known as Local Government Code of 1991.

"Years of blind development have resulted in environmental degradation, pollution and the loss of biodiversity," Read a portion of the complaint filed by the Division environmental crime of the IBN.

Cawaling and other local officials failed to enforce laws, such as submitting documents required for the sale of land and construction of permanent structures in the declared forest land in Boracay

"Cawaling helped , helped and / or encouraged Denichi in the illegal occupation of forest lands, "said the NBI.

"(He) should have been cautious in the indiscriminate issuance of building permits and tax returns from his municipal engineer and appraiser," he added.

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