BUTUAN CITY – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Eduardo Año witnessed the initial demolition of 391establishments in Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte in violation of the Philippine environmental law.
The Cabuntog Function Hall owned by the local government unit (LGU) of General Luna in Barangay Poblacion 5 and a dining area of a hotel were among those demolished yesterday for violating the 25-meter easement zone policy.
DENR Caraga Regional Director Felix Alicer said that other establishments already secured environmental compliance certificate but required to have final disposal facilities.
According to Alicer, the owners of the establishments were given three months after receipt of the notice of demolition to voluntarily demolish to avoid charges of violating the Water Code of the Philippines.
