Earth-balling contractors probed by DENR

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is investigating a contractor in the earth-balling of trees along Roxas Boulevard on Thursday, to find if there were violations in procedures.

According to the DENR, enforcement personnel have been dispatched to immediately inspect the site and determine the facts and circumstances of the incident.

Footage shared on social media showed several workers felling trees by cutting through the roots, rather than carefully extracting it with the root system and surrounding soil intact.

“If the earth balling is found to be unauthorized or improperly executed, the DENR will initiate legal, administrative and permit-related actions against responsible parties, including contractors and permit holders,” the department said in a statement.

The DENR emphasized that project proponents must comply with environmental rules, obtain the required clearances, and coordinate with the agency for tree-related activities.

Environment Secretary Juan Miguel Cuna last month said tree-cutting in the vicinity has been suspended following a public uproar.

“The DENR underscores that urban trees are protected resources and all project proponents are required to strictly follow environmental rules, secure proper clearances, and coordinate with the department before undertaking any activity involving trees,” the statement read.

The DENR assured the public that it would maintain transparent and accountable protection of urban green spaces.