Prosecutor wants security guard to face trial on Aeta's slay

The Aklan Provincial Prosecutor’s Office is urging a security guard of the Crown Regency resort-hotel here to face the murder trial as prime suspect in the killing of an Aeta spokesman in February this year.

In a four-page resolution, Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Reynaldo Peralta said the murder case filed against suspect Daniel Celestino is proper.

The Kalibo Regional Trial Court is expected to issue a warrant of arrest against the suspect soon.

At least four witnesses came forward alleging that they saw Celestino in the area where the victim Dexter Condez, then 26, has been assassinated.

The resolution was signed by Peralta on July 3 yet, but it was only released on July 29 at the request of the media.

Earlier, Celestino together with the lawyers of the Crown Regency faced the media, denying his participation in the said killing.

Celestino said he is willing to undergo a lie detector test to prove his innocence.

Peralta said he received the result of the lie detector test confirming that Celestino is telling the truth, but he said the suspect should still answer the allegations of the four witnesses in the trial court.

The Boracay Ati Tribal Organization has condemned the killing of Condez and accused the management of the Crown Regency as behind the death of their spokesman. The Crown Regency is allegedly interested in the lot currently occupied by the BATO.

The BATO is occupying a piece of land in this resort-island through the Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT) given to them by the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples.

The Crown Regency management has continuously denied its involvement in the killing of Condez.

Power Shortage in Boracay Seen

Due to the increasing electrical power demand brought by the flourishing tourism industry, this island resort may experience power shortage in 2016, a power cooperative official said.

Thus, the Aklan Electric Cooperative (AKELCO) is preparing to “prevent the worst scenarios,” its general manager, Chito Peralta, said.

AKELCO recently held its 30th Annual General Assembly here.

A similar activity was simultaneously held at the AKELCO–Lezo main compound and the Andagao Substation in Kalibo.

The cooperative had as keynote speaker Rep. Michael Angelo Rivera of the 1–CARE (Consumer Alliance for Rural Energy) party-list.

1-CARE party-list has committed to help improve the rehabilitation of submarine cables in this island resort.

“If we could not rehabilitate our submarine cables, problems may later occur due to the heavy traffic of electricity [toward] Boracay,” Peralta said.

AKELCO is expecting a huge demand for electricity due to incoming investments in Boracay.

Among these investments were those of the San Miguel Corp. and the Oceans Park.

“We are doing everything to ensure sustainable electricity [supply] in Boracay and the whole of Aklan province,” the cooperative manager said.

AKELCO also distributes electricity to Pandan and Libertad towns in Antique, and a barangay in Capiz province

Town council to probe proposed shooting range in Boracay resort

The Municipal Council of Malay, Aklan is set to conduct an inquiry on the proposal of a resort here to build a shooting range.

The schedule of the inquiry has not been disclosed yet.

Councilor Floribar Bautista said Thursday he is objecting the said proposal because it will create a negative image for Boracay.

"If the plan pushes through, the idea would then be duplicated by other resorts," Bautista said, adding that this may spark an increase of gun owners in this resort-island.

The Municipal Council will conduct the investigation to determine if the proposed location of the shooting range is safe for local residents. Council members will conduct an ocular inspection inside the resort where the shooting range is being proposed.

The Philippine National Police had earlier said it is up to the Department of Tourism whether to recommend the proposal or not.

DENR moves to protect bats, other critical natural resources in Boracay

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is working for the conservation of the remaining critically endangered habitat in this resort-island especially the flying foxes (bats).

Ivene Reyes, head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Aklan, said they will initiate the conservation efforts by entering into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) together with the stakeholders here.

"Some of the critical habitat of Boracay is under the jurisdiction of private investors such as the resorts. So we are planning for a MOA to ensure that the natural habitat is being properly taken care of," Reyes said.

The PENRO-Aklan currently is conducting an environmental audit of the remaining critical habitat of Boracay.

For several years, the environment of Boracay suffered from degradation due to either natural phenomenon or man-made causes.

The DENR report said there are only around 740 flying foxes in Boracay compared to the 15,000 in 1998.

The flying foxes not only help in plant seed dispersal, they also eat thousands of mosquitoes each day which is necessary to keep the resort-island free from dengue and other related diseases.

Boracay exec wants to hear PNoy’s tourism agenda

The head of a business group in this resort-island wanted to hear the tourism agenda of President Benigno Aquino III in the next three years during his State of the Nation Address.

Dionisio Salme, president of Boracay Foundation Inc., said he wants to know the priority projects of the President in terms of tourism, particularly on how the country can attract more tourists.

“Also, I hope to see additional improvements of airports in the country and infrastructures for tourism," Salme said.

Malacañang had earlier announced that it wanted to see 10 million foreign tourists coming to the country in 2016. The Aklan provincial government expects to draw 1.5 million tourists this year.

Stakeholders in this resort-island are upbeat on the economic benefits brought about by the tourism industry as Boracay is considered one of the premier tourism destinations in the world.

Last week, Salme, together with the officers and board of directors of the BFI, was given a fresh mandate by its members.

South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Hyuk Lee arrived here to induct the BFI officers.

South Koreans topped the tourist arrivals not only in Boracay, but also in the entire Western Visayas last year.

Cruise ship arrivals in Boracay until 2014

The management of the Wallem Philippines Shipping Inc. has confirmed the arrivals of the Star Cruises to this resort-island from October this year to April next year.

Niven Maquirang, Caticlan jetty port administrator, said Wednesday that Wallen Philippines is the official agent of Star Cruises in the country.

He said Star Cruises vessel MS Superstar Gemini is expected to arrive here at around 6 a.m. on October 17 and will return to its route by 3 p.m. of the same day.

Another vessel, the MS Superstar Aquarius, will arrive on November 4 at 10 a.m. and will leave the port of Boracay at around 8 p.m.

Superstar Aquarius is expected to return to Boracay on April 1, 2014 as confirmed by Wallem Philippines.

All Star Cruises arrivals has a route coming from Xiamen, China to Manila and then this resort island.

Recently, personnel of the Star Cruises based visited Boracay to check its facilities.

PENRO:No violation in operation of hotel’s mini-zoo

The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Aklan has cleared the management of the Crown Regency Hotel here of possible violations for operating a mini-zoo in this resort-island.

Ivene Reyes, PENRO-Aklan chief, said Wednesday this was based on the investigation they conducted in the area on July 4.

A group of concerned residents had earlier reported to the Earth Island Institute-Philippines that the animals being taken cared of by the Crown Regency Resort are allegedly being drugged because these seem emaciated and always asleep.

"When our team went there to conduct the investigation, they found that no harm has been done to the animals. So we recommended the extension of the operation of the zoo to the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources,” Reyes said.

He added that it will be the DENR Region 6 that will decide on the finality of the decision.

The operation of the mini-zoo has been temporarily closed after its permit to operate expired on June 30.

The DENR report indicates that the animals came from Cebu and are allowed to be housed in the mini-zoo. Animals seen at the resort-hotel include a tiger, a python, a cuckoo bird, among others.(

Chinese cruise ships seen to dock in Boracay

The Department of Tourism (DoT) and the Aklan provincial government are hopeful that at least two more cruise ships, this time coming from Xiamen, China, will arrive in this island-resort before year end.

Niven Maquirang, administrator of Caticlan Jetty Port, said Monday that four Chinese representatives arrived here Saturday to inspect the facilities.

"The team, together with the DOT, visited potential sites for Chinese tourists. Among these are two spas, shopping area, the long beach and the Cagban Jetty Port. If they find our facilities nice, we can expect the cruise ships to arrive in October and in November," Maquirang said.

Maquirang had earlier announced the confirmed arrival of Star Cruises vessels, Superstar Aquarius and the Superstar Gemini, later this year, with 2,000 foreign and local tourists on board.

"We are already confident of our security measures since we have already experienced the arrival of Royal cruise ships last year," he said.

The DOT's thrust of promoting Boracay as a premier cruise ship destination is part of the plan to lure 10 million foreign tourists to the country by 2016.

Beach nourishment in Boracay pushed

The provincial government of Aklan plans to revive its request for the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to carry out a beach nourishment program here.

It believes that beach nourishment may solve the worsening beach erosion in the island resort, said Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo–Quimpo.

“Beach nourishment” simply involves an effort to get back white sand to the beaches using whatever mechanical tool.

The Capitol submitted a proposal on the program to the DENR last year but the agency failed to act on it.

Thus, the provincial government “will definitely ask the DENR once more to study the beach nourishment program we [suggested],” Quimpo said.

A marine geology professor at the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute earlier reported that the prime tourist destination in the country has experienced an eight- to 40-meter loss of white sand in 20 years.

Among the reasons were the destruction of coral reefs, seagrass beds and mangroves.

Also, the sea level rise brought about by climate change worsens the erosion of the already retreating shorelines./

More European tourists expected in Boracay as EU lifts air ban

The Department of Tourism (DOT) sees more tourists from European countries coming to this resort island.

Tim Ticar, acting chief of DOT-Boracay, said Thursday that this developed after reports indicate that the Philippine Airlines (PAL) has been delisted by the European Union (EU) in its roster of banned air carriers.

The EU has banned the country’s flag carrier for several years because of security concerns.

"Visitors from European countries such as Germany and Italy have been in the top 10 among tourists coming to Boracay in the past. We believe that the delisting of PAL would translate to more tourism opportunities for this resort island," Ticar said.

The DOT have been calling on both national government agencies and local government units to upgrade the facilities of both the Kalibo International Airport (KIA) and the Caticlan-Cagban Jetty Ports to boost tourist arrivals here.

Just last week, the KIA increased its terminal fee to P100 from P40 to cope with the needed facilities for the airport. The increase of terminal fee was approved by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.

PNP Chief wants police street visibility

Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Allan Purisima has called on policemen in this island resort to be visible on streets especially on tourist areas.

Purisima, who was here last Friday for the inauguration of tourism police training facility, has also distributed 20 patrol bikes to policemen of the Boracay Tourism Action Center (BTAC).

"The public feel safer if they saw policemen on streets. This will increase deterrence of possible crimes in their respective areas," said Purisima.

He said the PNP is now strengthening its capability in line with their modernization program.

With police visibility, Purisima said this would attract more tourists to come not only to this resort island but also to different tourism destinations in the country.

"The Aquino administration is targeting 10 million tourists in 2016. As of this time, the government had already reached six million tourists. A study indicates that each foreign tourist that comes is equivalent to one employment for Filipinos," Purisima said.

The PNP director general also believes that maintaining peace and order is crucial in the country's tourism growth.

"Imagine if we have more tourists we could encourage Filipinos not to go abroad because of abundant and available job opportunities in the country. This way we could prevent OFWs from being abused abroad. We consider tourism as an important gem to our inclusive growth," Purisima said.

In the same inauguration, the Taiwan Chamber of Commerce donated 150 pair of shoes to Boracay PNP.

PR: The Lady Boss visits Iloilo fans

The Ilonggos are in for a pleasant surprise this Sunday, July 7, as the Lady Boss herself pays a visit to her fans in Iloilo. Marian Rivera, lead actress in My Lady Boss, the latest romantic comedy flick from GMA Films in partnership with Regal Films, and the country’s sexiest woman according to a men’s magazine, is on her way to the City of Love to personally meet and greet her fans.

Beginning at 4pm, Marian will be at the Robinson’s Place in Iloilo for a Kapuso Fans’ Day. Marian’s supporters will get the chance to see the actress up close and personal and engage in various fun and exciting activities and games.

Friendly competition for the fans include a Marian Rivera look-alike search, a dance showdown showcasing Marian’s dance moves, an act-like-Marian Rivera challenge, and a search for the most unique memorabilia/fan collection of the actress. All winners will have an exclusive photo op with Marian.

The day before, July 6, Saturday, the cast of the phenomenal series My Husband’s Lover lead by Dennis Trillo, Tom Rodriguez, and Carla Abellana will be staging a Kapuso Mall Show in SM City Sta. Rosa. They will be joined by co-stars Karel Marquez, Victor Basa, Bettina Carlos, and Kevin Santos in providing entertainment to their supporters in Laguna starting at 4pm.

On July 1, Monday, four-time platinum recording artist Julie Ann San Jose and Aljur Abrenica made waves in the City of Tagum during a Kapuso Mall Show as their fans flocked towards the Gaisano Grand Mall of Tagum. On the same day, lead stars of GMA’s newest morning series With A Smile -- Christian Bautista, Mikael Daez, and Andrea Torres -- were warmly welcomed in a Kapuso Barangayan in Bgry. La Filipina Covered Court, Tagum City and in another Kapuso Mall Show in the Gaisano Mall of Tagum, Davao del Norte.

Boracay prepares for more cruise ship arrivals

The Aklan provincial government is preparing for another set of arrivals of cruise ships in this island-resort this year.

Niven Maquirang, Aklan Caticlan jetty port administrator, said that around 2,000 foreign and local tourists are expected to arrive.

"Aside from this, we are also lobbying to have another cruise ship arrival at the end of the year hoping for the tourists to witness the annual fireworks display in Boracay," Maquirang said.

The preparation is considered manageable after Boracay had successfully hosted two Royal Caribbean cruise ships last year.

"We want this endeavor to continue as this is now the trend in tourism worldwide. Cruise ship tourism," Maquirang said.

Expert confirms Boracay erosion

A marine geology professor from the Marine Science Institute (MSI) of the University of the Philippines (UP) has confirmed the worsening problem of beach coastal erosion in this resort island.

Professor Fernando Siringan presented his report during the Philcore Vulnerability Assessment Workshop at Innotech in Diliman, Quezon City on June 25 and 26. The research was conducted in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

In a copy of his presentation, Siringan bared that from 1993-2013, the west beach of this resort island has been suffering from coastal erosion of eight to 40 meters loss.

Among the reasons behind this are the destruction of coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangroves.

Siringan said that sea level rise brought about by the climate change worsens the situations. The sea level rise causes coastal erosion to worsen the already retreating shorelines, and ensue in presently stable or accreting shorelines.

Siringan has called on stakeholders here to unite to address this condition.

Local environmentalists here observed that vegetation areas supposedly used as setbacks were being used for commercial purposes by putting tables, chairs, massage areas, storage areas, kitchens, among others.

Boracay hopes to host one of APEC 2015 meetings

Officials of Aklan province and the Malay town are hoping to host one of the meetings of the Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) Summit that will be held in the Philippines in 2015.

The world-famous island-resort of Boracay is the major tourist attraction of the area.

Municipal tourism officer Felix Delos Santos said they have submitted a bid to host the meeting of the APEC committees involving transportation and finance.

Other places that have expressed intent to host the APEC Summit meetings are the province of Albay, and the cities of Bacolod and Iloilo.

A source who requested anonymity said Boracay is only a small island and cannot accommodate the events during the highlights of the summit.

It would be a logistical and security nightmare so we expressed our intent to host the meetings on transportation and finance where around 11 countries are involved, the source added.

APEC is composed of 21-member states, including United States; Australia; Brunei Darussalam; Canada; Chile; China; Hong Kong, China; Indonesia; Japan; Malaysia; Mexico; New Zealand; Papua New Guinea; Peru; The Philippines; Russia; Singapore; Republic of Korea; Chinese Taipei; Thailand; and Vietnam.