ILOILO City – More than a week after Boracay’s reopening on Oct. 26, 14 tourists were fined for violating new island rules and regulations.
According to Tourism secretary Bernadette Romulo Puyat, these violators were caught by the Boracay Interagency Task Force (BIATF) on All Saints’ Day (Nov. 1) and All Souls’ Day (Nov. 2).
“We issued citation tickets to them. If they continue violating the regulations, we may have to remove their accreditation,” Romulo-Puyat was quoted by a national daily as saying.
The Municipal Tourism Office of Malay, Aklan situated at the Caticlan Jetty Port (the jump-off point to Boracay from mainland Malay) recorded 5,418 and 5,813 Boracay-bound tourists on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.
Puyat said some violators were caught smoking which is now prohibited in the island resort.
Three island visitors were fined for littering and another two for drinking along the White Beach.
One was caught making sandcastle (now also a regulated beach activity) and another for driving a motorcycle to the beach.
Puyat lamented the apparent ignorance of tourists on new Boracay regulations.
Now, visitors cannot freely enter the island as they wish. The interagency task force overseeing Boracay’s rehabilitation is limiting the number of tourists coming in. Roughly only 19,000 tourists may stay on the island at any given time.
Before entering Boracay tourists would be required to present reservation slips or proof of bookings in accommodation establishments accredited by the Department of Tourism (DOT). “No booking, no entry” is the policy to regulate the entry of tourists.
The task force urged the public not to transact with establishments that have not yet secured the necessary clearances, permits and/or accreditation from the DOT, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Non-compliant establishments soliciting and/or accepting booking reservations (despite the lack of clearance to open) may be subjected to civil suits for deception.
Before entering the island, tourists are also enjoined to sign the “Oath for a Better Boracay” as they are expected to observe environmental laws and regulations.
Aside from banning of smoking and drinking alcoholic beverages along the beach, the “Laboracay” annual Labor Day party is also not allowed.
Dining by the beach and installation of electric lights on the beachfront is prohibited while fireworks displays are allowed only until 9 p.m.
Souvenir shops and hawkers along beachfront are also banned and fire dancing that uses kerosene is disallowed.
Casinos are banned on the island, too.
Meanwhile, previously suspended water sports and water activities in the island are now allowed. These are paraw sailing, kayaking and kite surfing, said Environment secretary Roy Cimatu./PN
