BAGUIO City Mayor Benjamin Magalong led the filing of a case against Gateluck Corporation for the death of 45 trees along Legarda road.
Magalong said "Our intent is to file 45 counts of violation of the Environmental Code for the 45 trees cut. They killed 45 trees, and tortured them," adding the chemical analysis will determine what substance was injected to the tree.
When the case is filed Magalong said the corporation will be barred from developing the area until the case is cleared, permits from the city government, if any, will also be revoked.
Magalong said the case of the city government will be anchored on 45 counts of violation of the environmental code and will be jointly filed with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources [DENR].
Magalong said Gateluck Corporation may face suspension or cancellation of their Securities and Exchange Commission registration and be stripped of operation as a legal entity
The mayor said all of the officers of Gatelock Corporation which includes Jasper Lao Golangco of TiongSan, will be respondents to the case.
Magalong said "I am Pretty sure their [Gatelock Corporation] intention is to have the trees cut was to make it appear they were infested and put up some sort of an establishment [in the area]."
Last week, Magalong conducted a surprise inspection at the private lot of the Golangco's and confirmed the deliberate tree murder.
Magalong personally investigated the property and found 45 fully grown trees were intentionally and slowly being killed after seeing holes drilled at the base of each tree where a salt-like mixture was administered, believed to lead to the death of the trees.
Magalong tagged the act as murder and vowed to personally file charges against developers.
Respondents include Jasper Lao Golangco, Jeremy Golangco, Pompiduo Golangco, Imelda Lao, Esmeralda Lubos, and Lo Chen Wen. Sunstarbaguio tried but failed to get a statement from the respondents.
