DENR files case vs. Bantayan developer

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has filed a case for violation of the National Integrated Protected Area System against a developer in Bantayan Island for allegedly constructing a seawall without a permit.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Teodorico Barral has filed a complaint for violation of Section 20 of R.A. 7586, otherwise known as the NIPAS Act of 1992, against Buen Consejo-Duragos before the Cebu Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.

The complaint was based on the report of forester Edgar Ricafort, who was assigned in Bantayan Island to monitor, maintain and implement forestry laws.

Ricafort reported that on April 23, he discovered that Duragos was constructing a seawall on the shoreline of barangay Baigad, Bantayan.

The discovery was based on information received by Ricafort through his mobile phone. Ricafort said he immediately informed the barangay officials of Baigad and conducted ocular inspection.

Ricafort said they found out that the construction was then ongoing. But despite informing Duragos that she has to first secure permit before pushing through with the construction, she allegedly failed to comply with the requirement.

Ricafort said that when they inspected the site last June 30, they found out that the construction was already finished.

DENR officials said Duragos should be indicted for violation of the NIPAS Act of 1992.   — Fred P. Languido/LPM