The bulldozing of part of the coastline within a protected area in Cauayan, Negros Occidental, has been stopped, Mayor John Rey Tabujara said on Thursday, Oct. 24.
A Barangay Caliling incident report said the Bantay Dagat Foot Patrol conducted an investigation on Monday, October 21, to verify a report of a concerned citizen that the stones in the embankment of Purok 6, Sitio Bil-at, Barangay Caliling, Cauayan, were being bulldozed.
Punong Barangay Josel Popioco said those responsible for the bulldozing did not seek permission and had no permit from the barangay.
Due to the lack of permit and pending investigation, Tabujara said he ordered the suspension of the bulldozing activity on October 21.
Forester Lucia Salazar, Supervising Environment Specialist of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Kabankalan, said they forwarded the case to the Environment Management Bureau for clarification if there has been an Environmental Compliance Certificate issued.
They were told that the place would be turned into a jet ski area, which is impossible because it is all stone with corals, she said.
The place is a nesting site for turtles, she said, pointing out that there have been five recorded incidents of turtle laying in the area.
The place also has sea grass that serves as food for turtles, and many other marine resources will be put at risk if the bulldozing continues, she said.*