The chieftain of Barangay Sum-ag, Bacolod City, is seeking the help of Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu after the owner of an ongoing beach resort project in his community allegedly committed environmental violations.
In a letter to Cimatu dated May 19, Barangay Sum-ag Captain Rodney Carmona said that the beach resort project of Engr. Andre Taculod at the mouth of Sum-ag River has utilized about three hectares of mangrove area in the site.
He and other barangay officials conducted an ocular inspection Wednesday, May 20, and found out that the developer constructed “a mini wharf at the entrance of Sum-ag River using concrete boulder materials which made the entrance narrow and is clearly dangerous for it became a navigational hazard for incoming and outgoing fishing vessels utilizing Sum-ag River as a docking area,” Carmona said.
Carmona also said that those responsible for the project used heavy equipment and manpower to “illegally cut” full grown mangrove trees without an application or authority from the barangay.
This will greatly affect the living condition of the residents of Purok Mabinuligon II and nearby areas, and deprive fishes on their breeding ground, Carmona said.
“We believe that encroachment of the entrance of Sum-ag River and illegally cutting of full grown mangroves are a gross violation of environmental laws,” he said.
He also attached the petition of the local fisherfolk association against the project to his letter to Cimatu.
In an interview, Carmona said that the barangay was not aware of the start of the project, which could cause flooding to the village.
He said he sought the help of DENR so the agency can recommend action the barangay can take.
Taculod has yet to issue a statement on the issue.*