Rap mulled vs mangroves ‘destroyer’
A lawyer representing the informal settlers living along the riverbank in Brgy. Bolilao, Mandurriao district is contemplating to take a legal action against those responsible for uprooting some 100 mangroves in the area.
Atty. Ian Feliciano said he is still waiting for the final result of the probe being conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on the mangrove destruction.
The DENR conducted an investigation in response to the complaint of a group which contested the government’s lack of ecological appreciation on the existence of mangroves. They have yet to release their final investigation result after they met with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Feliciano, in an interview over Bombo Radyo’s Zona Libre, said the mere cutting of mangroves already violates Republic Act 7161 and Presidential Decree 193. Should there be violations based on the DENR-led investigation, he will refer the matter to the committee on environment of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines chaired by Atty. Valle for proper legal action.
International Builders Corporation (IBC) subcontracted the dredging project from WT Construction, a Cebu-based contractor. The firm’s backhoe destroyed the mangroves during their clearing operation in the river bank.
Feliciano said it is “alarming” for the city government and the Department of Public Works and Highways to push for the project without considering its impact in the environment. We are verifying on whether there was a survey conducted on the creek before the project implementation.
The dredging project is included in the Iloilo Flood Control Project (IFCP). DPWH regional director Rolando Asis said the dredging project is covered with Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).
Mangroves play an important role in fisheries, wildlife and forestry. It provides protection from typhoons, floods, erosion and storm surges.
The P50 million dredging project was meant to ease the flooding in the city.
The dredging will cover 3.4 kilometers in the 13 barangays. There is no definite program on what to do with the mangroves and to the informal settlers. “The mangroves thriving along the creek are much older than I am,” said Feliciano.
The mangrove destruction is one environmental issue which should not be taken for granted. It is a challenge for the contractor to dredge the creek without destroying the mangroves, he said.