PB Orders DENR 7 to Investigate Mangrove Cutting in Camotes

The Cebu Provincial Board (PB) has urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate the alleged cutting of mangrove trees in Camotes Island following a complaint from a town mayor there.

The PB made such an appeal to DENR 7 regional director Isabelo Montejo, who in Jan. 14, 2014, entered into a memorandum of agreement with Pacito Relampagos for mangrove rehabilitation and bathing establishment in Barangay Unidos, San Francisco, Camotes.

The appeal came four days after San Francisco Mayor, Aly Arquillano ordered the stoppage of the development in their mangrove area through the issuance of a cease and desist order (CDO).

The PB came up with such resolution after Arquillano on January 10 issued a cease and desist order against the on-going development in the town’s mangrove plantation, saying it allegedly violated the environmental laws.

“Allegations has reached to my office that you destroyed the surrounding mangrove area. Such destruction is completely unlawful and will not be tolerated in any way, shape or form,” read Arquillano’s letter to Relampagos.

Arquillano said that although Relampagos has been issued a certificate of non-coverage by the Environmental Management Bureau in 2011, it still “does not exempt you from compliance with applicable environmental laws…” the letter said.

Despite mayor Arquillano’s order, Relampagos reportedly continued cutting the mangroves prompting Arquillano to forward to the PB a copy of his letter and photos of the cutting activity.

“The pictures attached herewith portray a massacre of silent and mute mangrove trees but they scream to the collective conscience of the Cebuanos for environmental justice, for protection and above all, for the severest sanctions on such a revolting act of rape against Mother Nature,” said the PB resolution.