THE Cebu City Government will issue its own cease and desist order (CDO) to the private company that has allegedly reclaimed a mangrove swamp at the opening of Bulacao River in Barangay Inayawan.
Lawyer Gerardo Carillo, chairman of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, told SunStar Cebu Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, that this will be on top of another CDO that will be issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
According to Carillo, they have found out that the private firm, that operates a mall chain in the country, failed to secure a developmental permit and location clearance from the City Planning and Development Office.
Last Monday, Carillo's team inspected the area as part of the city’s “gubat sa baha” (war against flooding) program, but they were surprised to find that there were no more mangrove trees in the 20-hectare swamp.
He said that they do not have any idea of what kind of establishment or building will be constructed in the area since no permit was processed by the private company.
Carillo added that he was informed that the private firm will be writing a letter to Mayor Michael Rama to explain their side on the matter.
"I was informed that they will be writing a letter addressed to the city mayor explaining the circumstances sa reclamation. Let us wait," said Carillo. (IRT)