DEFORESTATION and charcoal making remain rampant in northern Cebu, causing floods in upland areas, the regional Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) said yesterday.
Dr. Eddie Llamedo, DENR-7 public affairs officer, said they’ve caught several operators that transported illegal cut trees from Asturias and San Remigio towns and Bogo City since July this year.
Llamedo said a moratorium on tree-cutting took effect in Cebu province last year after DENR-7 discovered deforestation and charcoal making in the province’s upland areas.
“We are now reiterating this because of the recent flash floods. We are also stepping up our campaign to apprehend more violators with the PNP,” Llamedo said.
Llamedo told reporters that their office established two hotlines to address complaints and information on violations of environmental laws from concerned citizens.
He said their office also issued a Cease and Desist Order (CDO) on a small-scale mining company operating in the mountain areas of Bohol.
Llamedo said they are coordinating with the local governments who have jurisdiction on these industries to keep track of their operations.