THE Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to file an administrative case against Lepanto Consolidated Mining Company (LCMC) for violating environmental laws.
"This office finds respondent's explanations unsatisfactory for it was apparent that it failed to supervise its bulldozer operator during the conduct of road clearing operations," read the file.
On November 28, personnel of the Community Environmental and Natural Resources Office-Buguias conducted a verification and investigation on the reported bulldozing and cutting of trees in Barangay Paco, Mankayan, Benguet. They submitted the report recommending the issuance of a cease and desist order against the mining company for violating forestry and environmental laws.
The DENR-EMB also established the mining company's non-compliance with agency’s condition failing to protect and conserve trees when 10 Benguet pine trees were felled during bulldozing activity.
DENR Regional Director Ralph Pablo said the sanction may result in a maximum fine of P50,000.
EMB, in an administrative case, said LCMC had committed to mitigate, if not to correct, the significant adverse environmental effects of the activity.
Pablo said the EMB would have to review the appeal of Lepanto seeking for a motion to reduce the fine, as the trees bulldozed were owned and planted by the company.
Moreover, Lepanto instructed its bulldozer operator Andrew Padioc to clear the area and avoid damaging the tree in the site.
After the trees were felled due to the clearing operations, the respondent immediately initiated administrative investigation and eventually suspended the bulldozer operator.