Cebu project probed over Tino aftermath

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will investigate a development project in Cebu City in connection with the massive flooding and landslides that occurred during the onslaught of Typhoon Tino.

The DENR formed an investigation team to scrutinize the Monterrazas de Cebu development project, which is being blamed for the loss of lives and destruction of property.

In a statement released yesterday, the DENR said it convened a multi-stakeholder joint inspection, investigation and assessment team composed of technical experts from the agency’s regional offices and its attached bureaus as well as representatives from the city government and Barangay Guadalupe, where the project is located.

The team yesterday started conducting on-site inspections to assess the project’s compliance with its environmental compliance certificate (ECC) and other regulations.

The inspection will cover the effectiveness of drainage and slope protection systems, the stability of slopes, potential risks of landslides and flooding, and any alteration of natural landforms near timberland areas.

The DENR said the developer has been directed to submit engineering, geological and geohazard assessment, which will be validated by the team.

“If the investigation finds any violation of ECC conditions or environmental regulations, the DENR will not hesitate to enforce corrective actions including suspension, penalties or other legal remedies as provided by law,” the agency said.

The Monterrazas de Cebu project, led by engineer and former television personality Slater Young, has drawn flak after flash floods and landslides struck several areas in Cebu during the onslaught of Tino.

The typhoon left at least 147 people dead in Cebu, with 67 still missing, destroyed communities and displaced thousands.

The controversy dates back to 2023, when Young touted Monterrazas de Cebu on social media.

Environmental groups had warned that large-scale construction on the steep terrain could increase the risk of erosion and flooding during heavy rainfall.