Cops block Boracay humanitarian mission anew

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

We are Boracay, Rise Up Aklan and Friends of Boacay accused policemen after 16 individuals were barred from entering Boracay Island for their humanitarian mission on July 28.

PHOTO WE ARE BORACAY

Kim-Sin Tugna, provincial coordinator of Rise Up Aklan, has criticized the Boracay security committee for its ‘double standards’ to prevent the  volunteers for the second time. 

“We cannot understand this move of Boracay security committee to discriminate individuals who want to help the residents and workers in Boracay. Talagang single-out nila ako, ” he said.

Tugna said they secured clearance on July 24 from Malay town mayor Ceciron Cawaling to distribute 700 rice packs to Boracay residents affected by the six-month shutdown and ongoing rehabilitation.

But, he was surprised the volunteers of We Are Boracay, Friends of Boracay and Iloilo Science and Technology University students and teachers were blocked in Tabon Port in Malay, Aklan on Saturday for their one-day humanitarian mission in Boracay Island.

Last July 27, DILG regional director Atty. Antonio Nuyda in his letter-reply had advised Tugna, instead, to encourage his members who are residents of the island to get the relief goods in mainland Malay and distribute to intended beneficiaries.

Nuyda also cited that Tugna's request failed to specify the exact venue of food relief distribution as well as there were inconsistencies on the dates of the humanitarian mission.

“We are calling the attention of LGU Malay and the provincial government of Aklan why this is happening to us? We are helping the Boracay people and yet the volunteers of our humanitarian mission are discriminated without clear reasons. Dahil ba kritikal kami sa mga isinusulong na programa ng gobyerno?” Tugna added.

In a statement, We Are Boracay coordinator Olive Abanera also was disappointed what their group called “sabotage and isolation campaign” of their efforts to assist Boracay residents.

Last month, volunteers of We Are Boracay were also barred to enter the island during the delivery of food supplies to displaced workers.  

Tugna also deplored the ‘militarization’ and the presence of more than 600 policemen patrolled entry and exit points of Boracay Island.

“Suportado namin ang rehabilitasyon as long as hindi maantala ang kabuhayan ng mga residente at workers sa isla. Itong mga pulis nag house-to-house sa mga lideres at partners namin sa Boracay na huwag suportahan ang We are Boracay at Friends of Boracay. Dahil ba sa security concerns?” he stressed.

The latest security protocol of Boracay inter-agency task force requires non-residents and unregistered workers to submit a letter-request to Boracay security committee at least three days prior to the requested entry. They have to specify also the purpose, activities, date of entry and exit, venue, names and contact numbers of the people involved.  

Social welfare, outreach programs and other charitable activities should be also referred to Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for recommendation.

As this posting, the Metro Boracay Police Task Force has yet to issue statements regarding the allegations of the volunteer groups.