Durano denies sugar mill closure

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu 5th District Rep. Ramon “Red” Durano, VI has denied the reported closure of their family-owned sugar mill in Danao City.

He said the RMD Sugar Mill has temporarily cease operation because of lack of supply of sugarcane.

Durano explained that sugarcane planters were not able to deliver enough supply of sugarcane because they were affected by the rainy season.

“Di man sila makahatud og tubo tungod sa sige’g uwan. Sige mi og gasto unya way tubo (They cannot supply sugarcanes because of the rain. We keep on spending but there is no sugarcane), ” Durano told The FREEMAN.

Durano clarified that there was no truth to the information that their machinery have already been sold to a businessman from Leyte.

In fact, Durano said the sugar mill will resume operation very soon.

He said they have already met the sugarcane planters last month.

The planters reportedly agreed to have their sugarcanes delivered to the sugar mill so they can start operation by second week of February.

Reports have it that the Durano-owned sugar mill in Danao City has already been sold because it was affected by the political feud within the family.

The congressman’s father, Danao City Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano, is currently at odds with his brother Mayor Ramon “Boy” Durano, Jr.

In fact, they are trading recall petitions which are both pending before the Commission on Elections.

Red assured the public that they will be duly notified should their family decide to close the sugar mill.

If this happens, sugarcane planters will be forced to bring their products for milling in Medellin. — (FREEMAN)