Newly-assumed Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo will soon call for a multi-agency consultation for the resumption of deliberations on the proposed creation of the Tambobo Bay Development Authority in Tambobo Bay, Siaton town in the south of the province.
This developed following public observations of the increasing number of foreign-owned yachts and similar sea craft being moored at Tambobo Bay that may have skipped proper inspection and other proceedings by government authorities.
Coast Guard sources who requested anonymity as they are not allowed to speak publicly said that some yachts anchored at Tambobo Bay have been seen flying a flag of a foreign country.
Maritime law requires that once a yacht or any sea vessel is operating and/or based in the Philippines, its owner must go through proper registration proceedings and must fly the Philippine flag instead.
Other issues and concerns that should be tackled regarding the presence of many vessels in Tambobo Bay include the environment, such as proper dumping of wastes and used oil, immigration requirements for foreign nationals, and even law and order, such as possible smuggling of illegal firearms and drugs, Degamo admitted.
Degamo noted that he had, in fact, authored an ordinance on the proposal for the creation of the Tambobo Bay Development Authority while he was still a Provincial Board Member during the incumbency of the late Gov. Emilio Macias II.
The TBDA was to be composed of various agencies such as the provincial government, the local government of Siaton, the Philippine National Police, the Coast Guard, the Maritime Industry Authority, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Bureau of Immigration, to name a few.
Initial public consultations were held earlier for the creation of the TBDA but the subject was relegated to the sidelines due to some conflicting interpretations of various laws as well as the lack of personnel from government line agencies to deploy in Tambobo Bay.
Degamo assured that the TBDA will be among the immediate concerns that his administration will undertake this year. (PNA) LAP/JFP