By Bohol Chronicle
Mayor Efren Tungol issued a closure order on the Python Sanctuary in the town of Alburquerque after its proprietor failed to secure a mayor’s permit.
It had been several years already that Eugene Salibay operated the python sanctuary without business permit while benefiting from the basic services of the government that made the destination accessible to tourists.
Tungol said the leeway given to must Salibay must have been enough for him to complete the requisites for a mayor’s permit.
During the many years that Salibay run the python sanctuary, he only remitted taxes once and it was only in September this year, the mayor disclosed.
Tungol personally handed the closure order and Salibay accepted it but refused to affix his signature on the file copy which is equivalent as refusal to receive the notice.
Salibay reportedly told the mayor that he would still refer the matter to his lawyer.
Tungol said he would entertain Salibay’s application for a mayor’s permit if the latter would process it, but there is no assurance that it would be granted, considering the strict policy of DENR based on the Animal Welfare Act regarding the nature of such business.
For several times already, the mayor offered to assist Salibay in legalizing the operation of the python sanctuary but the latter snubbed him.
Tungol expressed confidence though that the closure of the python sanctuary will have no effect on the town’s tourism, saying there are destinations that Albur can be proud of other than the python sanctuary.
Personnel of the municipal police have been deployed in the area to advise the guests that it has been closed until its operator gets the permit.
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