An infuriated Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco sought sanctions against two Philippine Navy personnel and called the attention of regional Navy officials after a patrol ship damaged protected coral reefs off Sta. Cruz Island last weekend. It was reported that the Philippine Navy patrol craft BRP Tausug, skippered by Lt. Darwin Guilliarte and a certain Melad, was laoded with beachgoers and dropped anchor at the coral sanctuary. Sta. Cruz Island Protected Area Managemenet Unit (PAMU) biologists anmd representatives said the Navy officers were arrogant when they were told not to drop anchor in the area to preserve the underwater marine resources.

Lacson, N. (2017, May 7). Zambo mayor slams Navy over coral reef damage. Manila Bulletin, p. 16.