Posted on February 2, 2017
By MB Online, Manila Bulletin
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has taken action to stop the dredging activities of STL Panay Resources Co., LTD. at the Aklan River.
DENR sent its National Environmental Crime Task Force — led by Undersecretary Art Valdezto — to Aklan to personally serve a cease and desist order against the dredging firm.
“Kalibo, I heard you!… The people are up in arms- from Mayor William Lachica, the Church and the Metro Kalibo Water district,” Environment Secretary Gina Lopez wrote in a Facebook post.
DENR’s action came after resident of Kalibo expressed disquiet over the dredging activities of the STL contracted vessel MV Zhong Hai 18 which caused soil erosion in sandbars that act as a natural barrier against natural disasters.
The underwater activity done by the Chinese-manned vessel has also affected more than 40 households according to Sec. Lopez.
“We witnessed four houses eroding down the river. Kalibo is nearby my hometown, Iloilo! My heart bleeds,” she added.
Panay News earlier reported that the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) ordered STL to stop dredging in the Aklan River, issuing a a show-cause order and a cease-and-desist order against the firm.
Source: Manila Bulletin
