DENR urged to stop quarrying in Zambales river
A GROUP yesterday appealed to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to order a stop into the ongoing quarrying in Bucao River in Botolan, Zambales that is causing destruction to the river.
According to ATM cause-oriented group, the dredging being done on the river is damaging the nature in Botolan.
Leon Peralta, founding chairman of ATM, also said residents in the area are complaining of the ill effects of quarrying .
The residents said they are now experiencing an increase in the sea water level, reaching 10 to 12 meters, while their drinking water is also becoming salty.
In their complaint filed before the DENR, Peralta said the companies conducting quarrying activities at Bucao River are allegedly using 3-in-1 dredging equipment that is almost similar to the machine used in the reclamation done by China in the West Philippine Sea.
The group also stated in their complaint that the quarrying firms exceeded the imposed exclusive river dredging zone, forcing residents to endure the effects of the ongoing excavation.
Peralta said of the five companies conducting quarrying operations in Botolan Tiver, only two are accredited by the DENR.
The group requested the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Ombudsman, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine Coast Guard to investigate the alleged illegal quarrying in Botolan.
Meanwhile, affected residents have sought the help of the DENR, the Department of Public Works and Highways and the offices of Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane and former Botolan Mayor Doris Maniquiz-Jeresano for the cancellation of the Environmental Compliance Certificate of the quarrying companies.
