Man ordered to explain 'illegal excavation'

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau is ordering a resident of Talisay City to explain his continuous treasure hunting activities in his area. This despite the agency's order to have the activity stopped.

In a letter dated January 2, acting DENR-MGB Regional director Roger de Dios ordered Isidro Bardilas to explain why he should not be charged for his "illegitimate" excavation activities.

Bardilas admitted that the digging activities near his home in Artville Subdivision, barangay San Isidro, Talisay City, is to hunt treasure.

However, after several surveys the MGB issued a cease and desist order for him to stop such operation because he was not able to secure the necessary permits aside from the incessant complaints from his neighbors who fear that the continuous excavation in their midst would lead to the destruction of their concrete fence and their houses as well.

The inspection team of the MGB and the Talisay City Engineer's Office found on October last year that the approximate depth of the hole excavated was already nine meters.

"The risk/danger posed by the extent of the existing excavations to the stability and safety of the concrete fence of the Arpons (which serves likewise as side wall of the complainant's house) is quite evident," de Dios said in his letter.

It was Junvic Arpon, Bardilas' immediate neighbor, who lodged the complaint before the city engineer's office. In his complaint, Arpon said the digging could have extended underneath his house, which could be destructive.

As response, the city engineer went to the site. And it was then that the MGB issued a CDO stopping Bardilas from any further digging.

Bardilas, as part of the "peace agreement" he signed with the barangay officials, promised not only to stop excavating, but to restore ground stability by backfilling. But the deadline date of December 30 had already lapsed and Bardilas was not able to comply with the agreement, and even continued with his activities.

Thus, the MGB wrote to him and asked him to explain. De Dios said the DENR may report the matter to the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency for "appropriate action" if Bardilas won't heed the notice.

Bardilas was given 15 days to answer the letter from the MGB but as of yesterday, there was still no word from him. - Liv G. Campo