After President Rodrigo Duterte threatened to shut down resort destination Boracay and calling on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to get a handle of the ongoing pollution problem within six months, Boracay Foundation Incorporated (BFI) responded to the president’s claims, calling him “misinformed.”

“[His] statement stems from misinformation and unverified data,” the group claimed in a statement. “Most of the island’s business establishments are strictly in compliance with prevailing ordinances and regulations.”

They suggested, as an alternative, to “strictly enforce” existing laws.

Last year, after the DENR Environmental Management Bureau and the Community Environment Office-Boracay issued notices to 12 establishments after it was discovered pipes were being illegally connected to storm drains, which were supposed to be utilized to collect rainwater, DENR-6 Director Jim Sampulna recommended DOT-6 and the Malay municipal government to rescind permits for Boracay hotels, resorts, and restaurants that violate environmental policies.

In addition, the Boracay chapter of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry earlier expressed hope following the president’s ultimatum, saying it will jumpstart efforts to clean up the island.

“All of us here in Boracay wanted a healthier and good island,” said local Chamber of Commerce President Elena Brugger. “We hope that things will really happen and will be put into action.”/WDJ