Authorities conducted a clearing operation of illegal ambulant vendors and commissioners in Boracay beach front.
Executive IV Rowen Aguirre of the municipal government of Malay led the “Oplan Hawan” operation with the personnel of Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC), Task Force Boracay-Philippine Army, Boracay beach guards and Malay Auxiliary Police on January 19.
The beach clearing operation resulted to confiscation of souvenir items from illegal vendors, brochures and marketing materials from commissioners, the police said.
The crackdown came after the growing number of illegal vendors in the beach front and complaints of tourists received by the police that some commissioners and tour guides took advantage of their guests.
Among the complaints are the presence of illegal vendors who also selling their items while tourists are sunbathing in the beach front. Some commissioners are collecting money from their guests in advance for the next day island-hopping activities, but on agreed schedule the whereabouts of the commissioners are unknown.
Senior Police Officer I Christopher Mendoza, BTAC police community relations chief, stressed the Malay municipal ordinances were enforced without exemptions.
“We hope na lahat ay mag-cooperate. Higit sa lahat walang name dropping kung huhulihin, walang exemption. Kung gusto ninyong maayos ang Boracay, mag cooperate tayong lahat,” he said.
Municipal Ordinance No. 2000-132 regulates activities in the beach front of Boracay that all vendors and peddlers have to secure the required permits from the municipal government of Malay. They are also prohibited to approach or disturb tourists in the beach front to offer their goods or services.
Tour guides, both foreign and locals, are also advised to get their accreditation and license with Department of Tourism before they engaged into business in Boracay Island.
BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
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