The Boracay inter-agency task force (BIATF) will soon decide on a plea made by the island's commercial establishment operators and local residents for a moratorium on the demolition of structures sitting within the island’s “25 + 5 meter” easement rule and forest lands. Environment Sec. Roy Cimatu on Wednesday said 9 establishments were subject of a National Bureau of Investigation and BIATF joint operation for allegedly occupying protected forest lands, violating the Revised Forestry Code and the Philippine Water Code. “While we understand really the pandemic, while we understand really their situation, we will now have to balance enforcement, at the same time, also the way we have to treat these people kasi wala naman siguro sila munang mapupuntahan," Cimatu said.

Boracay task force to decide on plea of businesses breaking easement rule. (2020, December 4). Daily Guardian, p. 3.