The Environment Management Bureau 6 has ordered Hacienda Asia Plantations Inc. (HAPI) to halt its quarry operations, road construction and other activities at its palm oil plantation in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
The EMB issued Cease and Desist Order (CDO) dated June 5 was served on June 13 and HAPI has halted its activities, Vicente Losbañes, EMB 6 Enforcement Division Head, told DIGICAST NEGROS on Thursday, June 19.
Cadoni Mayor Ray R. Ruiz said he was informed that HAPI has stopped all earth moving activities but was continuing with its planting at the palm oil plantation.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson had earlier written to the EMB to request for the issuance of a CDO against HAPI’s earthmoving activities.
He pointed out that HAPI has failed to secure an Environment Compliance Certificate.
“The ECC is a critical document that ensures that projects likely to have significant environmental impacts undergo a thorough assessment and implement measures to mitigate adverse effects”, Lacson said.
Losbañes said the CDO will remain until HAPI complies with requirements, including the call for it to obtain an ECC.
HAPI has an Integrated Forest Management Agreement from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources covering 6,652 hectares.
Losbañes said they are waiting for the response of DENR 6, on what is stipulated in the conditions of IFMA to determine whether the palm oil plantation was allowed.*