MANILA- Three government agencies have recommended the closure of Boracay island to tourists starting April 26 to give way to rehabilitation efforts, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu bared Friday.

Cimatu said a letter calling for the closure was signed by him, tourism chief Wanda Teo, and Interior and Local Government officer-in-charge Eduardo Año on Thursday and was sent to Malacañang.

"We have sent our letter and we recommended the start of the closure will be on April 26 and it will last for six months," Cimatu said in a speech during the 42nd anniversary of the Philippine Army's 2nd Infantry Division in Tanay, Rizal.

The environment secretary explained that the tourism department pushed back the recommended closure to April as tourists are expected to flock to the island next week for the Holy Week break and to prevent Labor Day parties on the island on May 1.

"Meron kasi silang ina-avoidan dun sa ano eh sa Boracay, yung Laboracay which is done in May 1, eh ina-avoid nila, that was the reason," Cimatu said.

On Thursday, Tourism Undersecretary Kat de Castro said the 3 government agencies recommended all "LaBoracay" parties to be cancelled amid the ongoing cleanup.

• 'LaBoracay' no more? Gov't agencies recommend cancellation of Boracay Labor Day parties

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier said he is amenable to a 6-month closure of Boracay to allow the government to rehabilitate the famous island.

• Duterte backs six-month Boracay shutdown

Cimatu, meanwhile, clarified that the 6-month recommended closure of the island may be reduced.

"Hopefully, pag malinisan na natin ito in the next 1 month or 2 months, yung sinasabi nating 6 months closure baka mapa-reduce pa yun," he said.