Excavation job halted over locals' objection

CEBU, Philippines -  The Task Force Kalikasan of Lapu-Lapu City the other day ordered stoppage of an excavation work in Sitio Kambiyuhan in Barangay Marigondon after excavators failed to secure a permit from the city government.

Residents in the area believe that the activity, initiated by three persons who hail from General Santos City, is a form of treasure hunting work.

PO2 Kent Lisen of Task Force Kalikasan said that it was Police Station 4 that first received a complaint coming from a resident in the area after her fence was being uprooted to give path to the said excavation.

The resident also complained of the stench of the water coming from a one meter-wide hole and is already estimated to be 30 feet deep after a span of two months of excavation.

The excavation site was covered with plywood and with a tarpaulin on top and couldn't be easily noticed by any unsuspecting passerby.

Another resident believes that only a septic tank will be constructed in the area.

However, when the task force arrived at the site Monday afternoon, they did not see any worker. Bystanders said the workers were out to buy their dinner.

A certain Johnny Mallo said that he was able to work at the excavation site after the owner of the lot Angelina Soriano paid them P150 per day.

The task force already ordered the stoppage of the operation until such time that the lot owner can produce documents allowing them to excavate the area. (FREEMAN)