OFFICIALS of Barangay Balaring in Silay City have referred to the Negros Occidental Provincial Environment Management Office (Pemo) the mangrove charcoal-making activities in their village.

The barangay officials discovered about three tons of cut mangroves believed to be processed into charcoal as they also discovered charcoal pits and other materials for charcoal making.

Village chief Remy Roldan in a TV interview said they want charcoal- making using mangroves to be stopped because they know how important mangroves are to prevent flooding.

In fact, mangroves shielded Sagay City’s coastlines when Typhoon Yolanda hit the area.

Roldan said they already have suspects but he refused to divulged their identities.

He said they will check other areas if the same illegal activities are also taking place. (TDE)