Negros Oriental LGU stops dredging project in Tanjay

DUMAGUETE CITY  , Philippines  â€” The provincial government of Negros Oriental has ordered a cease and desist order against dredging activities along the Tanjay River.

In a letter to Tanjay City Mayor Lawrence Teves, dated yesterday, Gov. Roel Degamo said that, per records, no dredging permit has been issued either by the local government unit of  Tanjay City or to Sino Italy Construction Philippines, Inc, as mandated under Provincial Ordinance No. 4 of  Negros Oriental.

Reports reaching the governor's office from residents in the area disclosed that Sino Italy has been conducting test operations despite the lack of such permits.

Degamo said this activity has created public uproar and in even affected the chances of candidates in the last barangay election, where some pro-mining candidates lost as a result. 

The governor said he did not want the issue to unfairly drag names of politicians and personalities, and his request for Mayor Teves to stop allowing the dredging operations in whatever form until a dredging permit is issued by the provincial government.

Degamo told The Freeman that he will not hesitate to cause the arrest of individuals who will be caught en flagrante delicto while undertaking illegal operations under the provisions of  Provincial Ordinance No. 4.

Defiance will be dealt with accordingly, and will be considered as an affront to the present leadership, said the governor. (FREEMAN)