CORON, Palawan - Seventy-five resorts and restaurants in Coron are facing demolition for building too near the shoreline and encroaching easement zones in several barangays, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region IV-B said Wednesday.

"Almost one and a half month ang inspection ng Task Force Coron, and more or less 75 establishments ang nakitaan ng violations... We will start to serve the notice tomorrow until Friday," said DENR regional director Natividad Bernardino.

She said the establishments violated Presidential Decree 1067 or the Water Code of the Philippines which provides for the establishment of a 3-meter easement zone in urban areas.

The owners of the establishments have 30 days to comply with the notice to vacate, upon receipt, he added. After that, the buildings will be demolished.

Mayor Jerry Baraccoso of Coron said they will help the DENR and coordinate with tourism stakeholders to ensure the sustainability of Coron as an ecotourism destination.

The DENR earlier found high levels of coliform contamination in the waters of Coron. Coliform level is highest in Barangay 5, the agency said.

The DENR early last month issued notices to vacate to 32 businesses. Twenty of these already self-demolished their structures.