DENR urged: Shut down Tondo coal firm

MANILA, Philippines – A group of environmentalists has urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to order the closure of a company engaged in coal stockpiling in Tondo, Manila.

The Kalikasan-People’s Network for the Environment (PNE) alleged that the operations of RockEnergy pose hazards to people’s health.

“The DENR is turning a blind eye on the deteriorating health conditions of Tondo residents because of the fumes and dust emitted by coal stockpile in the area,” Clemente Bautista of Kalikasan-PNE said.

RockEnergy International is a company that ventures in bulk logistics services, coal exploration and mineral supply distribution.

In 2013, it started to stockpile coal in an open two-hectare area adjacent to a residential community in Happyland, Barangay 105 in Tondo.

The area has a stocking capacity of 10,000 metric tons, equivalent to 200,000 sacks of rice.

“There are scientific evidence established in the past pointing out the adverse impacts of coal on people’s health and environment. The city of Manila had issued a closure order to RockEnergy but it continued its operation after the DENR granted it a permit to operate. The DENR’s Environment Management Bureau failed to see the company’s violations,” Bautista said.

Complaints against RockEnergy have mounted following the increase in respiratory diseases among children and elderly in the area, according to community health workers.

A World Health Organization report and several studies have shown that coal dust contains metals and toxic elements that cause a range of diseases and health problems such as asthma and lung cancer.

Coal contains toxic metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, arsenic and radioactive isotopes like thorium and strontium.

Residents have also complained of wastes in Manila Bay being dumped by RockEnergy.

“Aside from issuing a suspension order, the DENR should revoke the company’s permit and order its closure. They should close down companies that cause damage to the environment and endanger the lives of the people,” Bautista said.