BENGUET officials is recommending to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources the filing of a Writ of Kalikasan against Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company over the alleged tree cutting and bulldozing activity at Barangay Paco, Mankayan, Benguet.
During the session, Board Member Apolinario Camsol however said they will await for the case that will be filed by the Community Environment and Natural Resources–Buguias.
Cenro-Buguias have called the attention of the mining company last month for allegedly cutting 10 Benguet pine trees with a diameter of 25-35 centimeters without permit.
Immediate stoppage was ordered by Cenro-Buguias until such time all the trees were accounted while earthmoving activities are being monitored by foresters and forest technicians to ensure no more damages will be incurred to any Benguet Pine Trees in the area.
It was learned Cenro is set to file a case for violating Presidential Decree 705 also known as the Forestry code of the Philippines.
"It seems DENR have taken cognizance of this case. What the board members perhaps for the time being will wait the result of the filing of the case and up to now I don't know what kind of case Cenro have filed," said Camsol.
Board Member Juan Nazarro meanwhile raised a query whether the board needs to recommend the filing of the Writ Of Kalikasan against Lepanto for destroying the environment.
"Are we not going to recommend the filing of the same case against the Lepanto management? For the information of the body, the DENR should be the one to file a case, there must be an investigation conducted by the DENR," Nazarro said.
The board member quipped based on the video presentation during a meeting with stakeholders, the area was bulldozed and the trees were cut, similar to what happened in Mt. Sto Tomas.
Board Member Nestor Fongwan Jr., chair on the committee of environment and natural resources said there were "blatant disregard of laws" adding the matter should also be referred on the committee on indigenous people to determine whether a free prior and informed consent was secured.
Last year, residents of Paco village in Mankayan have renewed their opposition in the installation of mine tailings drain pipes of Lepanto saying it would cause more harm to their community and its environs than good.
During a meeting with Benguet officials, residents fear the bulldozing activities of Lepanto would trigger landslides in the future.
The Tailings Pipe System activity was programmed in relation to the Annual 2017 Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program of the company and approved by the Mine Rehabilitation Fund Committee (MRFC) for LCMC.
