The Cebu Provincial Reclamation Authority (CPRA) has not approved any permit for a reclamation project in barangay Gabi, Cordova, said Gov. Hilario Davide III.
“As far as I know, there’s none (permit). I don’t think there is any reclamation going on there,” said Davide, who is chairman of the CPRA.
Last Tuesday, about 20 fisherfolk who are members of the Nagpakabana sa Natad sa Kalikupan protested outside the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Cebu City calling on the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to stop the reclamation project in barangay Gabi as it is destroying the mangroves in the area.
In a phone interview, Jojo Daquis, president of the group said the reclamation project was started last year and affects their livelihood due to the destruction of mangroves.
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Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy denied there was a reclamation project there.
Sitoy told the group to meet with him to they can discuss the matter instead of holding a baseless protest.
The mayor said he believes that the group was instigated by political opponents since his brother Celedonio has already announced his candidacy for congressman in the 2016 elections.
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