BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan – The Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) on Monday reiterated that only those who have permits from the local government of Malay will be allowed to carry out sand castle building here.
Sr. Insp. Jose Mark Gesulga, BTAC chief, in an interview on Monday, clarified that sand castle making at the beaches of Boracay is not prohibited.
However, he said the police are cracking down on illegal sand castle-makers which is pursuant to a local ordinance.
BTAC said the operation against illegal sand castle-makers is aimed to curb crime at the world famous island.
Gesulga said the operation which was started last January 6 aimed to prevent cases of theft and “salisi” gangs prevalent at the most crowded beach on the island.
He said the stricter implementation of the regulation was also due to reports of extortion involving sand castle makers charging tourists excessively.
Aside from crime prevention, Gesulga said the regulation also aims to stop the illegal practice of using kerosene lamps as an added decoration for sand castles at night.
He said that only those who have permits will be given the go-signal to carry out sand castle building.
“Based on the ordinance, they shall pay PHP100 per square meter per day for the space utilized, and should not exceed five days,” Gesulga said.
The ordinance also states that sand castle making shall not be done within the six-meter stretch from the edge of the vegetation area towards the beach.
Also, sand castle makers are responsible for the leveling of the built castle and cleaning up the area after the activity.
Violators will be made to pay PHP2,500 for the first offense. For the second and subsequent offenses, an additional penalty of no less than 30- day imprisonment shall be imposed depending upon the discretion of the court.
Aside from crime prevention, Gesulga said the regulation also aims to stop the illegal practice of using kerosene lamps as an added decoration for sand castles at night. (PNA)
File photo of Antique Bureau
