DENR to halt Oslob Plaza tree-cutting over permit violations
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) Argao is set to order the stoppage of tree-cutting activities at Oslob Plaza following an inspection that found violations of the conditions of the permit issued for the work.
In a statement released on July 18, 2026, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 announced the order amid public concern over the removal of trees for the proposed Sports and Cultural Complex.
The inspection found that the cutting activities proceeded without prior coordination and notification to Cenro Argao, which was among the conditions attached to the special tree cutting permit.
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“Cenro Argao shall be issuing a cease-and-desist order to stop all tree cutting and other related activities until the permittee shall have fully complied with the conditions of the special tree cutting permit and all other applicable environmental laws, rules, and regulations,” the statement read.
The agency said it would continue monitoring the situation and take regulatory action to ensure compliance with environmental safeguards.
Permit issued
According to the DENR 7, Cenro Argao issued a special tree cutting permit to the local government unit of Oslob on June 23, 2026, which covered 10 identified trees.
The permit required compliance with its specific terms and conditions, as well as existing environmental laws, rules, and regulations.
Inspection showed that the required project signboard had been installed, while two mahogany trees had been heavily affected.
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The remaining trees covered by the permit were reportedly still standing during the inspection.
Public opposition vs Oslob Plza tree-cutting
The stoppage came after public concern over the planned removal of trees at Oslob Plaza for the proposed Sports and Cultural Complex.
On July 14, concerned netizen Mark Arnold Langahid urged the Municipality of Oslob and the DENR to reconsider the tree-cutting despite the reported permit.
Langahid encouraged authorities to consider alternatives such as earthballing or relocating the trees instead of cutting them down.
“These trees are witnesses to the stories and heritage of the Oslobanons. They deserve better, more modern, and sustainable solutions — not simply to be cut down,” Langahid said in his post.
He also expressed support for a July 9 petition filed by local group Oslobanong Nagpakabana, which called for the preservation of the plaza’s trees.
READ: Only 11 of 745 trees left in Monterrazas site, DENR finds
The petition was led by Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, Atty. Charlemagne Cuevas, and Wendyl Luna, who sought the production of relevant documents, including proof of public consultations and bidding documents.
The group also formally opposed the conversion of the public plazas and the cutting of trees in the area.
READ: DENR defends mass cutting of trees in Manila for road project
“The Oslob Public Plaza and its century-old trees are not temporary structures that elected leaders can remove at will. They are an important part of Oslob’s history and identity,” the petition read.
“Oslob has successfully hosted and accommodated major activities even without this proposed gymnasium. The project could have been built in another location, if really absolutely necessary, without removing these historic trees if proper and extensive public consultations had taken place,” it added.
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