Moalboal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron (center) clears the issue in a press conference with Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito Costas and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale / PHOTO by Morexette Erram
There is no group of indigenous people operating island hopping services in the town of Moalboal in southwestern Cebu.
This was the findings of the Provincial Tourism Office, together with the local government of Moalboal, when they received a letter from the Malacañang that a complaint was sent to President Rodrigo Duterte by a group of pumpboat operators who claimed to be members of an indigenous group in Moalboal, and that they were not exempted from paying environmental fees.
In a press conference earlier, Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito “Boboi” Costas said they conducted a dialogue last week with the complainants from Members of the Native Original Settlers of Moalboal Island Hopping Mobile Boat Operators and Crew Association (MENOSMIHMOBOCA) and Moalboal Mayor Inocentes Cabaron to shed light on the matter.
But Cabaron said the group was actually composed of members who were not given permit by the Marine Industry Authority (MARINA) to operate pumpboats for tourist use.
“We also consulted with NCIP (National Commission on Indigent People) and found out that their group was not registered,” said Cabaron.