March vs mining, quarry operations set in Cebu

CEBU, Philippines — Environmental advocates are set to hold a “peaceful walk” for landslide victims from the City of Naga on September 25.

The walk dubbed as “Martsa Kontra Mina” will commence at 7:30 a.m. from Sitio Gray Rocks, Naga to the Capitol grounds in Cebu City.

 “We encouraged and call sa tanan nga mga Cebuanos sa pag-uban sa people’s march for justice. Magsugod ni sa Naga City hangtod sa Provincial Capitol,” said Dann Diez, co-founder of Pusyon Kinaiyahan.

He said they want to seek justice for the untimely death of at least 29 people who were buried under the rubble.

Two small sitios on the slope of a limestone hill in Barangays Tinaan and Naalad, located near a quarry site, were already covered in soil following a landslide Thursday.

The tragedy also left seven people injured, while over 60 remain missing.

To prevent similar circumstances from happening again, Diez called on Cebuanos to fight against mining and quarrying activities.

The recent incident, he said, should serve as a lesson for everyone.

Pusyon Kinaiyahan was formed in 2015. It aims to help protect the environmental and natural resources of the province.

In a separate interview, Cebu City Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia said the Naga tragedy should serve as a wakeup call for government agencies in approving permits for quarry and mining operations.

 “I think it's a wake-up call to all of us kay ang kaning nahitabo, subo kaayo nga nahitabo ni sa Cebu. Pero it can happen anywhere in the Philippines especially in Cebu City,” he said.

Garcia has directed the Cebu City Mining and Regulatory Board (CCMRB) to submit the list of mining companies operating in the city.

He also asked the city’s Environment and Natural Resources Office to strictly implement the environmental laws.

Councilor Alvin Arcilla, CCMRB vice chairman, earlier said they are keeping an eye on quarry operations in the mountain barangays.

City records showed that there is only one approved quarry site which is located in the upland village of Pulangbato.

Arcilla said all quarry applications will be strictly scrutinized.

“Pirmiro mokuha mana sila og locational clearance adto sa City Planning Office. Then inig human kung makapasar sila. Kung agricultural or residential area, mosulod na sa zoning board para usbon ang classification sa yuta. Then there will be a series of public hearing,” he said. — KBQ (FREEMAN)