THE ILLEGAL drainage pipe discovered along El Nido’s beachfront has been removed, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) reported on Sunday. In a statement, the department said the pipe, which was discharging dirty and foul-smelling liquid directly into the Bacuit Bay, was found to be connected to the Outpost Beach Hostel. The DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) has issued a notice of violation against the establishment. “DENR Mimaropa Regional Executive Director Henry Adornado ordered the immediate removal of the sewage pipeline, which measured six inches in diameter and six meters in length, after its source was traced to a chamber of the hostel,” DENR said. The regional director also noted that the hostel showed a “blatant disregard for the environment” and was a clear violation of the Water Code of the Philippines under Presidential Decree 1067, and Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.” The DENR has been undertaking measures to restore one of Palawan’s famous beach and diving destinations since last year. On March 18 this year, it started a survey using DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau’s ground penetrating radar along the coastal areas to be able to detect hidden waste pipeline that harm the bodies of water. — Vincent Mariel P. Galang

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