The Negros Oriental provincial government will develop the Tambobo Bay area in Siit, Siaton, as a yacht basin in an effort to clamp down on the alleged illegal activities proliferating in the area.

Gov. Emilio Macias II recently held a meeting with representatives of line agencies and local officials to discuss the plan of the provincial government for Tambobo Bay.

Present during the meeting were Rep. Henry Pryde Teves (Neg. Or., 3rd District), Board Members Marcelo Adanza, Ernesto Tijing and Roel De Gamo, Customs Collector Medolita Cabanag, Immigration Officer Peter Bueno, PPA representative Cornelio Sison, Philippine Coast Guard Commander Robert Patrimonio, Siaton Mayor Vincent Arbolado and Provincial Administrator Marilou Kho.

It was noted in the meeting that no proper regulation is being imposed on the different activities conducted in the area, leaving it vulnerable, said Sedillo.

He added that the activities observed in the area include alleged illegal drugs trade, smuggling and human trafficking, which Patrimonio cited as occurring in the locality.

Patrimonio recommended the establishment of a one-stop shop to be manned by the Coast Guard, Customs and Immigration, PPA, PNP, the Municipality of Siaton, the Provincial Government and other concerned agencies.

The officials present in the meeting unanimously agreed that the one-stop shop will address the alleged illegal activities in the area since the foreigners coming in will be checked immediately.

Patrimonio admitted that they have difficulty regulating the private yachts since these are not included in the conventional vessel category that they have authority to regulate.

Macias wants to pattern the management of Tambobo Bay on the Balanan Lake Development Authority in Barangay Sandulot, Siaton which he said he believes is an easier way to address the possible legal questions that may arise as soon as the local government starts regulating the area.

The governor has requested the Siaton mayor to draft a memorandum of agreement for the regulation and management of Tambobo Bay, which will be presented when the group meets again in the first week of May.

More than 30 yachts reportedly dock daily at Tambobo Bay, which, Patrimonio said, are currently left unchecked and unregulated.*

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