Overcharging for Boracay IDs discovered by PNP Region 6

The Philippine National Police (PNP) Region 6 bureau disclosed Tuesday on Unang Balita that certain persons were selling IDs to gain entry into Boracay for twice the price prescribed by local government.

"Ang naging issue, naging mataas 'yung paniningil at tiningnan natin. At ang nakita natin du'n sa validation natin, they're charging P500—P150 for the clearance, P50 sa cedula, tapos P300 for the ID itself," said PNP Region 6 Director Chief Superintendent Cesar Binag.

Binag said Interior Secretary Eduardo Año directed the local branch of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to speak with the officials of barangays Tapak, Manok-Manok, and Balabag, where the IDs are being issued.

"Du'n naman sa probinsya, sa worker's card na ini-issue nila, walang bayad 'yun. Du'n naman sa tutulong, magcheck-in lang kayo sa jetty port, meron tayong inter-agency center doon para kung kayo ay qualified, ay bibigyan kayo ng temporary pass," he said.

The mayor of Malay, Aklan said only residents in Tapak, Manok-Manok, and Balabag may avail of resident IDs for P250 per ID.

He made the confirmation after Senator Panfilo Lacson said some barangay officials are selling IDs to non-resident businessmen who wish to operate their business during Boracay's closure at P400,000.

Among the IDs that will be recognized by security forces are barangay IDs from the three barangays, worker's IDs from the provincial government, government IDs with addresses on the island, and identification for rehabilitation volunteers from the inter-agency booth at Catiklan Jetty Port.

Earlier, it was announced that only residents, government officials, and accredited media personnel may enter the island beginning April 26.

Binag earlier assured that the entire island was covered for the one entry, one exit point, no ID no entry rules for the six-month closure of the island.

The Metro Boracay Police Task Force unveiled on Monday its security plans during the closure while PNP Western Visayas assured that 630 police officers will be stationed in the island. —Rie Takumi/KG, GMA News