DILG files graft charges against officials of Boracay and Aklan

INTERIOR UNDERSECRETARY Epimaco V. Densing III filed graft charges on Wednesday against Aklan Governor Florencio T. Miraflores and 16 other local officials before the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with Boracay’s environmental situation.

Criminal charges are also being planned against the respondents for alleged corruption in approving licenses of unqualified parties in the island’s tourism industry.

“There is an allegation of conspiracy among the respondents to support the criminal liabilities,” the Department of Interior and Local Government said in a statement.

The agency also disclosed it is seeking the preventive suspension of officials and employees of Aklan province and Malay town in Boracay.

The other respondents are Aklan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Valentin P. Talabero, Malay Mayor Ciceron S. Cawaling, ViceMayor Abram L. Sualog, Sangguniang Bayan members Natalie F. Cawaling-Paderes, Jupiter Aelred G. Gallenero, Frolibar S. Bautista, Lloyd B. Maming, Dalidig Y. Sumndad, Maylynn T. Aguirre-Graf, Danilo G. delos Santos and Dante C. Pagsuguiron, Licensing Officer III Jen F. Salsona, and Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer Edgardo Sancho.

Barangay Officials Hector A. Casidsid of Yapak, Chona V. Gabay of Manoc-Manoc, and Lilibeth C. Sacapaño of Balabag were also charged.

The complaint comes amid the six-month rehabilitation of the tourist island which started on April 26. —