Crematorium builder unlikely to get permit

CEBU, Philippines -  The owner of Golden Eye Inc., who allegedly intends to operate a crematorium inside a private property in barangay Dumlog, Talisay City could face difficulty in acquiring a clearance.

This after over 100 residents living a few meters away from the public cemetery in between barangays Poblacion and Dumlog have signed a petition which indicate their opposition to the crematorium.

Barangay Dumlog captain Charles Basillote said the owner’s move was done without consulting barangay officials and residents and even went ahead with the construction of the crematorium without acquiring a permit from the government.

“The signature campaign serves a decision on whether or not to grant a barangay clearance,” Basillote said, adding that one of the requirements before such is started is an endorsement from the barangay.

Basillote said the barangay must also issue a clearance of no objection from the residents.

“Now, there is a signature campaign, mura’g maglisod siguro og hatag kay protesta man gyud ang mga residente,” he said.

Residents in barangay Dumlog have raised apprehensions over a looming crematorium, citing health and environmental issues as some of the reasons why residents oppose the construction.

Also, it was found out that the crematorium building has no permit.

The owner of Golden Eye Inc., Dr. Andrew Quijano, said the area is an agro area but Basillote insisted it is a residential area.

Basillote has suggested to Quijano, in their recent conversation, that a private cemetery be built instead of a crematorium.  (FREEMAN)