Davide leaves probe on mayor to DENR

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III is leaving it all to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 the move to investigate the allegation that Argao Mayor Edsel Galeos was behind the cutting of over 300 trees in his town’s timberland area.

“He’s already facing charges filed against him. Let’s just wait for the (results of the investigation),” said Davide in an interview with the media.

Davide said he already met with Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional director, and was informed of the incident in Argao.

Galeos, however, denied ordering the cutting of the trees, which are considered illegal under the country’s environmental laws.

One of the laws include Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) Act of 1992, which was created for the protection of protected areas like timberland, watersheds, fish sanctuaries, among others, in the Philippines; and the Forestry Code.

Despite his denial however, the DENR filed a complaint for abuse of authority against Galeos before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas. —/NSA (FREEMAN)