Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson on Friday, June 20, acknowledged the quick response of the Environment Management Bureau in issuing a cease and desist order (CDO) versus Hacienda Asia Plantations Inc. (HAPI).
The Environment Management Bureau 6 ordered HAPI to halt its quarry operations, road construction and other activities at its palm oil plantation in Candoni, Negros Occidental, Vicente Losbañes, EMB 6 Enforcement Division head, told DIGICAST NEGROS on Thursday.
The EMB issued CDO dated June 5 was served on June 13, he said.
“We expect that HAPI will fully cooperate and immediately take on necessary measures to address the concerns raised by the stakeholders”, the governor said.
Lacson had earlier written to the EMB to request for the issuance of a CDO against HAPI’s earthmoving activities until it secures an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC).
“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.
Cadoni Mayor Ray R. Ruiz said he was informed that HAPI has stopped all earth moving activities but they are still planting in the nursery.*