Owners of cottages illegally erected within the Maragondon Fish Sanctuary have been given a one-month grace period to dismantle their structures.

The local government of Maragondon, Cavite issued the order following an ocular inspection by authorities on April 19, which revealed the presence of these cottages.

According to Municipal Ordinance no. 74 in Maragondon, entry, fishing, anchoring of boats, disturbance, and littering within the fish sanctuary are prohibited.

The Maragondon Local Government Unit (LGU) warned that those who built the cottages could face fines of no less than P20,000 and may be imprisoned for up to two years.

Mayor Lawrence “Umbe” Arca stressed that the local government is serious about protecting the sanctuary.

“We have given them the opportunity to voluntarily remove and demolish their illegal constructions here. We also call on vloggers not to promote this place as a tourist destination,” the mayor emphasized.

Arca also appealed to the public not to patronize any tourist activity in the Maragondon Fish Sanctuary.