Cebu: The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has uncovered massive tree cutting, including multiple environmental violations, at the Monterrazas de Cebu hillside development after a full investigation was launched amid reports of flooding and soil movement in the area triggered by Typhoon Tino. In a radio interview Thursday, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Eddie Llanedo said the investigation team found that more than 700 trees were cut within the 140-hectare property - a serious breach of forestry and environmental laws.
According to Philippines News Agency, during the October 2022 tree inventory, there were 745 trees within the 140-hectare property of Monterrazas. However, the recent investigation revealed that only 11 trees were accounted for, indicating a violation of section 77 of Presidential Decree 705 or the Forestry Code of the Philippines. Llanedo noted that Monterrazas had requested the tree inventory as part of their application for an amended environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
In addition to the Forestry Code violation, the Monterrazas development also breached the Clean Water Act and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement System, based on the joint inspection conducted on November 6 and 7. The DENR reported that the developer failed to comply with 10 out of the 33 conditions set under its Environmental Compliance Certificate.
As a result of these findings, the Environmental Management Bureau issued a notice of violation and a stoppage order on November 10. Investigators also discovered that several of the 17 detention ponds designed to manage stormwater runoff were either damaged or heavily silted, leading to uncontrolled surface runoff that exacerbated flooding in nearby communities downhill.
Llanedo explained that these conditions contributed significantly to the flooding experienced downslope. He further mentioned that aside from the notice of violation and stoppage order issued against the developer, each ECC violation carries a penalty of a PHP50,000 administrative fine, with potential additional penalties under the Forestry Code and the Clean Water Act.
He added that there are possible administrative penalties, and legal cases may also be filed against the developer or Monterrazas. The DENR is also examining other development projects for potential violations of environmental laws.
