The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – the lead agency of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) – immediately rose to the challenge, and closed down establishments found releasing waste and sewage into the waters of Boracay. Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered field offices with jurisdiction over Boracay to inspect the sewer facilities of all business establishments on the island, following reports that a majority of them are not connected to the sewerage system and their wastewater are drained into the sea. Cimatu said they would act against those who have violated the Clean Water Act and other environmental laws.

Villanueva, R., & Simeon, L. M. (2018, December 28). YEARENDER: DENR restores Boracay as world-class destination. The Philippine Star, p. 5.