MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 36 - REQUIRING CLEARANCE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT BEFORE THE ISSUANCE OF SALVAGE PERMIT IN THE VICINITY OR GENERAL AREA OF BUSUANGA ISLAND IN NORTHERN PALAWAN

It is a historical fact that, sometime in 1944 during World War II, warships of the Imperial Japanese Navy were sunk by the United States Navy in the vicinity or general area of Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan. Thus, next to Truk Lagoon in the Marianas group, the waters of Busuanga Island have the most extensive concentration of World War II shipwrecks and have gained world fame as a diving tourism site.

In line with the government's policy of preserving these shipwrecks, not only for their tourism value, but more so for their historical significance, it is hereby directed that prior clearance from the Office of the President be secured before the issuance of any salvage permit in the said vicinity or general area of Busuanga Island in Northern Palawan.

Strict compliance herewith by all government agencies, especially the Department of National Defense, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Agriculture, and their subordinate agencies, is likewise enjoined.  

Manila, February 24, 1993.

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Since 19.07.98.