Sharing below the official statement of the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board:
22 January 2013
This is an unfortunate incident. No one wanted this to happen. But, damage has been done.
Under Republic Act 10067, it is the TPAMB's mandate to protect, preserve and promote the resources of Tubbataha Reef. We are duty-bound to enforce the law.
In order to fulfill our mandate and uphold the rule of law, it is the TPAMBs intention to serve the US Navy with a formal notice listing violations of the above law in the grounding incident of January 17 involving the USS Guardian.
We will ask them to take responsibility, and immediately pay the fines that can be estimated at this time.
The violations that are evident at this time, include the following:
Section 19
UNAUTHORIZED ENTRY
Section 21
NON-PAYMENT OF CONSERVATION FEE
Section 30
OBSTRUCTION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER
Section 20
DAMAGES TO THE REEF
Section 26G
DESTROYING RESOURCES
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