The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) reported on Friday, April 27, that 5,000 people left Boracay Island on day 1 of the island resort’s 6-month closure, describing the sight as an ‘exodus’.
Due to the influx of passengers, transporting all of them through buses became an issue. The problem, however, was resolved later on.
“But at the end of the day, everyone was served,” said a bus company personnel.
Meanwhile, boat trips to the islands in Boracay saw a 60-percent drop in operations after the closure of 16 entry points into the island for tourists.
The Coast Guard is in coordination with local authorities entry points are closed for tourists.
Since Thursday, only residents are allowed to enter the island.
PCG-Caticlan Station Commander Lt. Ramil Palabrica said they have yet to face problems with the ID system imposed in the country to ensure only residents can enter the island.
Boracay will be cordoned off for rehabilitation, as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
The closure of Boracay came after the recommendation the Department of the Interior and Local Government for a “total” closure.
The president said last February 10 that he is alarmed by the environmental violations of many commercial establishments in the popular tourist destination and that it has been turned into a “cesspool”.
