• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Negros Occidental 4th District Representative Jeffrey Ferrer called the attention of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to inspect and investigate the possible illegal activities at the upper portion of the Kanlaon Volcano, which allegedly contributed to the severe flooding in the 4th and 5th districts of the province.
Ferrer disclosed yesterday during a media interview that several landslides have been observed at the upland areas of the volcano, which possibly occurred due to continuous earthquakes and volcanic activities.
“There were several landslides on the volcano where big trees and lumber are situated. Possibly the land has softened due to earthquakes and eruption,” he said, citing its possible contribution to the flash floods.
During the height of Typhoon Tino on November 4, logs and lumber which allegedly came from the volcano, were washed away by flash floods, which damaged bridges and spillways.
The solon said that despite the reported incident, he is still uncertain if there are illegal activities happening upstream; as he explained that there were several ongoing developments in the said areas.
“I cannot even say about quarries or illegal logging, but if there is, then it’s certainly wrong. But on my observation, well, part of that, we can do nothing because there is a portion in the volcano that is under development,” he added.
In response, the solon sought the help of the DENR to ensure that all ongoing developments in the volcano area have complied with their Environmental Compliance Certificates (ECC).
“Let us call the attention of DENR to inventory and to inspect whatever activities are happening on the upper portion of the volcano to give a solution, whether to stop that or not,” Ferrer stressed.
“That is why the ECC is very important. Because without ECC, the LGU cannot give permits, and it will not allow operations,” he further explained.
Ferrer cited that the developments are currently reported at the upland portion of Bago City and other localities near the volcano, stating that his observation is not limited to his district alone “but for the whole province.”*
