Environmental violations businessman, 3 others nabbed

CEBU, Philippines — A local hog raiser and three of his employees were arrested by the joint operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Environmental Management Bureau for violation of the Clean Water Act.

The suspects were identified as Santiago Tan Chan III, Rosalio Aguanta, Jayson Fritz Aguanta, and Jeramil Sabala.

Chan owns the Multi-farms Agro Industrial Corporation in Barangay Sangat, San Fernando, Cebu.

NBI-7 assistant director Dominador Cimafranca said the operation was led by operatives from NBI Environmental Division in Manila. The law enforcers were armed with search warrant for violation of Republic Act 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004.

According to Cimafranca, the operation stemmed from the complaints of the residents in the area because of the foul odor. The piggery discharges its waste directly to the shoreline using PVP pipes.

Lt. JG Michael John Encina, operations officer of PCG-7, said the company has been operating since 1970 without environmental clearance.

“It’s operating for decades without environmental clearance, 1970s pa ata sila nag operate. Hindi pa enacted ang laws natin, so wala pang regulation. Now, may Republic Act 9275 or Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 na. By that time nag seek na sana sila ng clearance and environmental certificate,” Encina said.

Authorities also conducted water sampling to check the quality of the water in the area. The results will be out three to five days from yesterday.

The raiding team was also assisted by the Department of Public Works and Highways in removing the PVP pipes that connect the piggery to the shoreline. Encina said the pipe is one ruler in diameter and 300 to 400 meters in length.

Authorities are preparing charges for violations of the Clean Water Act and Republic Act 8550 or The Philippine Fisheries Code of 1998 against the suspects. Chan and his counsel refused to issue a statement to the media. — FPL (FREEMAN)