Pending Investigation, Radaza Suspends Business Permit of Submarine

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza has ordered for the cancellation of the business permit of the yellow submarine, which crashed on the coral reef off the waters of Kontiki area, while the investigation is still pending.

“This office hereby orders the immediate suspension of the business permit of your establishment and accordingly you must cease and desist from operating your submarine pending investigation, as it violates RA 8550 or the Fisheries Code of the Philippines,” read Radaza’s order dated April 29, 2013. The order was addressed to Undersea Tour Corporation’s Marry Beth Sajo, operator of the yellow submarine which operates in Lapu-Lapu City.

Radaza’s order came days after city administrator Teodulo Ybañez issued a notice of violation on the same operator, citing alleged violations of the Fisheries Code and the environmental laws. Ybañez also directed the operator “to show compliance to the requirements of various agencies like those of Maritime, the Coast Guard, the Dept. of Tourism, among others within three days from receipt.” The order was issued on April 25.

The yellow submarine, which was launched to the public last month, was video-taped crashing a good portion of Kontiki’s coral reef.