Panglao acts on illegal banca operation
Email This Article
THE ILLEGAL operation of some banca owners in Panglao Island may be over soon.
The local office of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) has acted upon complaints raised over the operation of banca owners who are engaged in fishing or transport of passengers or cargoes without registration with MARINA or the Philippine Coast Guard.
“There are about 200 to 300 illegal operators in Panglao. They have not even secured licenses and permits from the local government unit of Panglao,” a MARINA official told the TIMES last Friday.
The official, who just came from a meeting with Panglao officials, said that they have already met with the concerned banca operators and informed them about the need for registration.
These operators are engaged in the transport of tourists for dolphin watching, she said.
Some are also into fishing, she added.
Or even both fishing and transport of passengers, she said.
“The transport of passengers is a very risky business. The seaworthiness of the vessel is a serious concern. The competence and technical skills of the crew are also very important. This is where the MARINA comes in,” the official said.
After the dialogue, the municipal government of Panglao will start regulating the operation by banca operators.
Four sites have been identified as docking areas where personnel from the municipal government will check on the payment of fees and taxes.
“One of these is the Alona Kew area,” the source said.
It is not clear though when the LGU of Panglao will start going after the illegal trade.
The concerned banca operators are asking for more time to secure the necessary documents from MARINA and the coast guard, among others.
“This could also mean tremendous income to the local government unit in terms of business permits and fees,” the source added.
But the more important thing is the safety and well-being of the passengers and cargoes, the source concluded.
