DENR wants full force of law vs Boracay litterbugs

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is aghast over the trash found on Boracay’s beachfront during the first day of the reopening dry run that it wants the full force of the law applied against litterbugs.

DENR Undersecretary for Solid Waste Management and LGU Concerns Benny Antiporda said that adopting a “zero tolerance policy” against litterbugs is the best way to prevent littering problems on the island.

He said that being compliant means "nagmamahal kayo sa ating kalikasan, at yun ang gusto namin palakasin."

The DENR official issued the statement after meeting with Compliant Association of Boracay (CAB), a newly established group whose members include owners of hotels, resorts, retail shops and restaurants.

Antiporda also announced that the DENR and other government agencies in charge of Boracay’s rehabilitation are amenable to CAB’s proposal to designate its pollution officers as “marshals” so they can have authority to go after litterbugs.

"We will talk with the local police so that you can do your obligation to your country to protect the environment," Antiporda told CAB members during the meeting.

He also enjoined them to use their social media accounts to come up with a joint statement to remind people to be responsible.

The DENR, he said, is also encouraging citizen’s arrest for litterbugs.

The CAB had earlier written DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu requesting that their pollution officers be deputized as “Boracay marshals” to police public areas on the island.

As marshals, the CAB said their pollution officers would be on the lookout for litterers and “shall remind the public to dispose of the trash properly.”

It added that “should the erring public refuse to cooperate, the marshalls may be the personal details of the individual(s) and endorse to policing agencies in Boracay.”

Antiporda reminded the public that under the Anti-Littering Law, littering is a criminal offense and violators could face a fine or render community service from eight to 16 hours.

He noted that under Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, establishments are required to designate a pollution control officer who shall ensure compliance with the law, among others.

Photos of discarded trash along Boracay’s famous White Beach went viral on social media recently. They were taken just hours after Boracay was opened to local tourists for the 11-day dry run for Boracay’s soft opening slated for October 26, 2018.##

- DENR