Workers leveling mountain in Boracay? DILG stops all construction

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has ordered a total stop to all types of construction in Boracay following reports of a forestland in a mountainous area being flattened on the island.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu noted reports that hillsides and forestlands were being eroded and flattened by property owners and developers in Boracay.

“I have ordered, with concurrence of the Boracay interagency task force, a total stoppage of all construction of any kind effective immediately to be clear to all that we mean business in the enforcement of environmental laws and regulations,” Cimatu said.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III yesterday said they have already sent people to check the site, which is located in Barangay Yapak of the island resort.

Densing took note of photos in social media showing portions of the flattened area.

Densing said whoever initiated the forest clearing will have to explain.

He said the property owner or developer should show documents authorizing the forest clearing.

“Regardless of documents, it should be stopped. That is the instruction on the ground,” Densing said in an interview over dzMM.

Cimatu, however, said they learned the activity was done even before the Boracay closure and has since been stopped, as confirmed by DENR regional field office.

The DENR has also ordered a moratorium on the issuance of permits, including environmental compliance certificates and tree cutting permits, except those that are related to the ongoing road-widening project by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

“But we are also appealing that when you make any report or post anything online, these should be verified first so as not to cause any misunderstanding,” Cimatu said.   

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