Provincial Board asked to intervene in coal ash dumping

CEBU, Philippines - The Global Legal Action on Climate Change, on behalf of residents of barangay Pangdan, Naga, sought the intervention of the Provincial Board on the alleged dumping of coal ash in the Pangdan River that has allegedly affected the water supply of the area.

At least 42 residents of the barangay signed a petition seeking the immediate intervention of the province.GLACC-Cebu represented by lawyers Gloria Estenzo Ramos and Benjamin Cabrido requested Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez and the members of the PB to conduct an on-site inspection of the area.

Ramos and Cabrido attached in their request the petition of the residents. The PB yesterday referred the request to the committee on environment headed by PB member Victor Maambong.

In their petition, Pangdan residents said that the dumping of coal ash in their barangay, especially in the river, has affected their water supply.

“Aduna kami problema tungod niining waste nga gibutang sa maong area nga makadaot sa among mga panglawas.Gawas pa niini apektado ang among poso nga maoy among gikuhaan sa tubig among giinom,” the petition letter read.

The residents did not mention in their petition whom they held responsible for the dumping of the coal ash but they were pleading that these alleged coal ash will be removed the soonest time possible.— Fred P. Languido/BRP (FREEMAN NEWS)