DENR suspends planned dredging by foreign vessel in Lobo, Batangas

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is suspending the planned dredging by a foreign vessel in Lobo, Batangas, saying it lacked appropriate documents.

In an interview with Balitanghali on Tuesday, DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda said the Seagate Engineering and Buildsystems already had an environmental compliance certificate (ECC), but still lacked a permit to operate and a permit to transport from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

Further, the company's letter requesting for permit for extraction was denied last February 2019.

"Since kulang po 'yung permit nila, especially sa MGB, immediately pinasu-suspend na po lahat ng na-issue sa kanila na ECC, ending processing of their proper documents," Antiporda said.

Antiporda as well advised the Lobo local government to supersede its issued permits since 2008 by coming up with a resolution cancelling the permits.

Residents have worried about the sudden appearance of MV Herald, which is currently docked at the mouth of the Lobo River.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Southern Luzon Command confirmed that the ship went for dredging and desilting in Lobo river and another nearby river.

The vessel has an approved contract between the Lobo local government and the  Seagate Engineering and Buildsystems, and has submitted its appropriate documents at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) for a special permit.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is currently monitoring the ship, with Indonesian and Chinese workers aboard.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer previously reported that the acquired land and sand by the vessel will be used to make a runway at the Hong Kong International Airport.

However, Lobo, Batangas mayor Jurly Manalo maintained that the Seagate Engineering and Buildsystems had no permit from the local government to dredge in the area.

In an interview with Super Radyo dzBB, Manalo said Seagate presented an old contract and that the company negotiated with another mayor.

The project was discontinued in 2012 after Seagate failed to comply with the contract.

Manalo also said they have already negotiated with another company for the dredging works.

The Lobo mayor confirmed dredging works were done at the Lobo river in order to prevent the overflow of water which is causing flooding.

"Hindi ba basic at fundamental na bago kayo mag-negosyo ay mayroon kayong business permit na manggagaling sa akin? Eh 'di sabi ko 'Kung wala kayo, umalis na kayo, at hindi ko kayo papayagan,'" Manalo said. — MDM, GMA News