Resorts tapped to help apprehend eco violators

CEBU, Philippines - The Task Force Kalikasan of the Lapu-Lapu City government will be conducting a series of orientation to environmental teams of different resorts in the city with regard to environmental laws so they help apprehend and issue citation tickets to environmental violators.

Dr. Andy Berame, coordinator of the task force, said they have deputized the environmental teams of the different resorts in the city due to the lack of manpower to go after those who violate environmental laws.

As of the moment, the task force only has six PNP personnel.

The orientation was first conducted last April 27 and 28 at the Maribago Blue Waters Resort wherein the environmental team of  the said resort was being oriented on national laws on environment and the local ordinances.

They were then issued with citation tickets and were given the go signal to apprehend these violators.

Berame said orientation in other resorts will soon follow.

Aside from apprehending environmental violators, they are also being tasked to monitors unscrupulous people engaged in "tourism malpractice."

Since these deputized agents have no police power to arrest those engaged in tourism malpractice, all they can do is to give information on illegal doings, such as selling overpriced goods and offering high priced boat rentals to foreigners visiting the city, to proper authorities for their possible arrest. (FREEMAN)