Naga disputes mines bureau's verdict

CEBU, Philippines - The Naga City government disagrees with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau's (MGB 7) decision that the large hole in barangay Pangdan does not pose danger to residents.

"We believe the open-pit is not only dangerous but also poses a health risk to residents because it will eventually become a breeding ground for dengue-carrying mosquitoes," read a portion of Mayor Valdemar Chiong's letter addressed to MGB 7 director Loreto Alburo.

Chiong said although the city appreciates the MGB's quick response to their request, it still "strongly" manifests its objection to excavation of soil using such method.

"It cannot be denied the excavated portion would be difficult to rehabilitate, much less restore to its original elevation with that of the provincial road's," Chiong said in his letter dated September 20.

Loreto, in his letter sent last week to Chiong, said that despite the depth of the pit, at eight meters lower than the provincial road, the quarrying activity remains safe and that it does not pose imminent danger to nearby Pangdan National High School should a landslide occur in the area.

But Chiong said that with the presence of the hole, it is "expected" that rains and runoff water will get stuck in that open-pit, making it a favorite breeding site of mosquitoes.

"We should nip the possible occurrence of dengue fever in the bud," he said.

"In view thereof, may we request that the City Government of Naga be accorded with courtesy of keeping it informed whenever ALQC or any company for that matter deviate their original quarry plan," the mayor said.