'State of calamity': Boracay warned as sewage problem turns Philippines tourist hotspot into 'cesspool'

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has threatened to declare a “state of calamity” over sewage and pollution problems in one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations.

Mr Duterte has given local authorities six months to clean up the small island of Boracay, almost 200 miles south of the capital Manila, after declaring it a “cesspool.”

Boracay’s white sand beaches have previously been feted as among the most beautiful on the planet. In 2012 it was declared best island in the world by Travel and Leisure magazine, and later received accolades from Conde Nast traveller.

As late as last year it still ranked among the top 25 of TripAdvisor’s world’s best beaches, but recent reports suggest that the beauty spot is now facing an ecological crisis fuelled by illegal structures and sewage problems as the island caters to an influx of tourists.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/201...s-philippines/