Cebu city: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has initiated a comprehensive investigation into the Monterrazas de Cebu development following increased environmental concerns and incidents of flooding and soil movement reported in the area.

According to Philippines News Agency, the DENR has assembled a multistakeholder team of technical experts to carry out a joint inspection, investigation, and assessment of the project. This move aims to evaluate the project's adherence to environmental regulations and the conditions outlined in its Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC).

The DENR emphasized its commitment to protecting communities and enforcing environmental laws, highlighting its dedication to balancing development with environmental protection. The agency stated that it would ensure that every project operates in full compliance with the law.

To ensure an impartial review of the Monterrazas de Cebu Project, the team includes technical experts from various regional and local environmental offices, including the DENR Region 7, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB-7), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7), and others. Their task is to conduct a thorough on-site investigation to assess compliance with ECC conditions and other environmental regulations, evaluate the effectiveness of drainage and slope protection systems, and determine the stability of slopes and potential risks of landslides and flooding.

The investigation will also explore whether the project has altered natural landforms, encroached on timberland areas, or caused erosion and siltation in nearby waterways. Additionally, the DENR has instructed the project proponent to fulfill its obligation to report engineering, geological, and geohazard assessments, with compliance to be validated by the joint inspection team.

The DENR has affirmed that should the investigation reveal any violations of ECC conditions or environmental regulations, it would enforce corrective actions, including potential suspension, penalties, or other legal remedies as stipulated by law.

The Monterrazas de Cebu project, a significant hillside development in Barangay Guadalupe, has come under public scrutiny following severe flooding and soil movement triggered by Typhoon Tino (international name Kalmaegi). Residents have raised concerns, linking the flooding to the large-scale construction on the mountain slopes.

The DENR has assured that updates on the joint technical evaluation will be communicated to the public.