BUTUAN CITY, Philippines — A task force headed by the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Interior and Local Government (DILG) have started the demolition of business establishments violating environmental laws on Siargao Island.

DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu and Eduardo Año of the DILG witnessed the demolitions on Tuesday.

“This is... a necessity for the protection of the beach. We cannot afford these structures either private or government to violate the 20-meter easement rule,” Cimatu said.

Among those demolished was the Cabuntog function hall owned by the municipal government of General Luna as well as the dining area of a hotel.

The Siargao interagency task force have issued notices of demolition to 391 business establishments.

Felix Alicer, DENR-Caraga director, said many establishments still have no environmental compliance certificates.

Alicer said erring firms should comply within three months upon receipt of notices of demolition to avoid being charged for violation of the Water Code.

The task force reiterated that the government has no plan to close Siargao, a surfing destination, to tourists.

Also on Tuesday, a residual waste containment area was inaugurated in Barangay Malinao, General Luna.

The facility is seen to solve Siargao’s waste disposal problem.