LA TRINIDAD, Benguet -- Bauko Mayor Abraham Akilit has confirmed a brewing case against Mankayan town.
In an interview, Akilit confirmed supporting documents for the possible Writ of Kalikasan being prepared against Mankayan town for incessant dumping along boundaries.
"We are consolidating papers for the case," Akilit said.
The chief executive refused to give more details until documents are ready for the filing but assured there will be public briefing when all is in order.
It was the office of provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) which confirmed whispers of a possible case of Writ of Kalikasan to be hurled against Mankayan town by Buako folk for indiscriminate dumping.
The ENRO in 2013 validated dumping of Mankayan folk beyond the fence which separates Bauko and Balili, Mankayan and made a formal report about it in 2013.
A formal compliant made by leaders of Baranagay Mt. Data to the ENRO was filed last year stressing the issue of dumping. In turn, the ENRO directed Mankayan folk to immediately stop dumping.
Under the law, a Writ of Kalikasan is a legal remedy for the protection of one's right to "a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the rhythm and harmony of nature," as provided for in Section 16, Article II of the Philippine Constitution.
The Writ of Kailkasan may be sought to deal with environmental damage of such magnitude that it threatens life, health, or property of inhabitants in two or more cities or provinces.
It was in 2011 when Benguet Representative Ronald Cosalan led the signing of the Writ of Kalikasan against Baguio City backed by residents and stakeholders for the Irisan trash slide accident, which claimed lives.
The move made history, making the province the first to invoke the environmental law for garbage dumping.
The move of Cosalan sent a ripple effect to the region with other areas likewise evoking the environmental law to protect their environs.
The filing of the Writ has become a benchmark in the region, urging all who fears for the environment to go to the courts to seek refuge.