CEBU, Philippines — Local officials from three coastal barangays in Toledo City have issued a unified rebuttal to claims of marine pollution and health risks linked to industrial activity in the area, calling the accusations “baseless” and made without community consent.
In a joint statement, barangay captains from Bato, Cabitoonan, and Awihao rejected recent allegations from several environmental groups, including the Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED), Save Tañon Strait Network, the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), and LAHAT (Limpyong Hangin Alang sa Tanan). These organizations alleged a decline in marine biodiversity, deteriorating water quality, and increased health concerns among residents in the coastal communities.
The barangay officials disputed the credibility of the environmental groups’ findings, stating that official monitoring data—collected in collaboration with local authorities—show that water quality, including boron levels, remains within government-mandated safety thresholds.
They also underscored the sustained vitality of local fisheries and highlighted ongoing conservation efforts through the Bato Marine Sanctuary.
“If their claims were true, this would not be the reality we see today,” the captains said in the statement, adding that “Our seas remain alive, our fish abundant, and our communities healthy and peaceful.”
In addition to disputing the environmental claims, barangay leaders criticized what they described as a lack of consultation with local stakeholders. They said no prior coordination was made with barangay leadership and that the names of the supposed witnesses cited by the advocacy groups were never disclosed.
In some cases, they alleged, individuals representing the groups introduced themselves as government officials, which caused unnecessary alarm among residents.
While reaffirming their support for environmental protection, the captains called for greater accountability and dialogue, stressing the need for “truth, transparency, and respect” in advocacy work.
“Do not bypass the community,” they said. “Talk to us. Listen to us. We are ready to listen—but you must also be willing to do the same.”
CEED and its affiliated groups had not issued a response at the time of publication.
The dispute underscores a growing tension between local governance units and environmental advocacy groups in areas adjacent to industrial corridors. It also highlights broader questions around the legitimacy of external narratives, the role of data in public discourse, and the autonomy of local communities in managing their environmental futures.