Dredging in Occidental Mindoro suspended for noncompliance, threats to safety

Occidental Mindoro Governor Eduardo Gadiano on Monday ordered the suspension of dredging activities of a company in Barangay Talabaan, Mamburao, due to alleged noncompliance with permits and threats to the residents’ safety.

Gadiano ordered the suspension of PERRC Construction and Development Corporation’s dredging activities following a complaint filed by a resident through its citizens’ complaint hotline.

“The said complaint stemmed from the alleged noncompliance of your company with the permits issued relative to your river restoration through dredging operations being conducted in Barangay Talabaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro,” Gadiano said.

“Allegedly, your company is operating in the sea near the residential area to the detriment of the lives, environment and safety of the residents. In addition, it was alleged that numerous dredging vessels arrived in the area and the operations became more aggressive,” he added.

The governor also noted that a letter was sent to PERRC on May 16 ordering the company to submit an explanation with supporting documents.

“In view of the foregoing and pending the result of the investigation, your company is hereby directed to temporarily suspend the conduct of any dredging operations and related activities in the assigned area, until further notice,” Gadiano said.

GMA News Online has reached out to PERCC for comment and will post its response as soon as available. —Mariel Celine Serquiña/LDF, GMA Integrated News