Consolacion suspects chemical waste was dumped into creek

CEBU, Philippines - The Environmental Management Bureau-7 moved quickly Wednesday because of a sneaking suspicion that chemical waste was dumped into the creek in sitio Laray in barangay Pitogo, Consolacion town.

Engr. Anabelle Roble, in-charge of the Toxic and Chemical Waste of the EMB-7, and Engr. Benjamin Garcia rushed to Consolacion town that afternoon to verify reports that chemical waste was unloaded into the creek.

At the creek, the two EMB officials together with municipal health office representatives, found empty containers and a dead fish.

The fish was sent to the regional office of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for examination.

Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, after being informed about the incident, ordered the police to conduct another investigation in coordination with the municipal health office and DENR.

The mayor said sanctions will be imposed on offenders.

She said polluted water can affect the livelihood of marginal fishermen considering that the flow of water in the creek ends at Cansaga Bay.

Last Wednesday, a men were arrested after they were suspected of dumping chemical waste into the creek.

Brought to the Consolacion police station were driver Raymond Limbaga Daval and his helper Jestoni Palermo.

Both men work for an establishment that holds office in Cebu City.

Daval told The FREEMAN that it was the first time for them to unload something into the creek.

Traffic enforcer Carl Agcang told The FREEMAN that as he passed by the creek that day, he noticed the two men dumping something.

He then informed his superior and town officials.

The police, which have taken custody of the vehicle, will file charges against the two men. - THE FREEMAN