Deputy chief vows to run after violators

CEBU, Philippines —  Admitting that massive cleanups are useless without enforcing environmental laws, Cebu City’s Task Force Gubat sa Baha deputy commander retired colonel Jefferson Omandam said it is now time to seriously go after violators.

Omandam emphasized that their efforts to clean the rivers and other waterways are useless if violators are left unpunished.  He cited during a meeting with the members of the Task Force Gubat sa Baha technical working group a house along the Zulueta Creek that has no toilet and directly throws its waste into the waterway.

"Atong gamiton ang enforcement power gubat man kaha ni. We have to apprehend already dili pwedeng wala otherwise magbalikbalik tag kalkal," Omandam said.

Omandam also cited a mall along Colon Street where the Estero de Parian is located for easement violation. The task force conducted another round of cleanup drive yesterday. It is also set for an aggressive desilting and declogging operations.

According to Omandam, they are set to conduct dredging operations to deepen and widen the waterways.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City government is preparing for the 9th National Clean Up Day on September 16. The members of the Coastline Management Board have been meeting to prepare for the nationwide activity.

Aside from Cebu City, the Coastline Management Board also disclosed a localized clean up in Cordova, and Mandaue City.