CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez came out yesterday to defend his controversial son, Joavan, from allegations of carnapping, usurpation of authority and extortion for his confiscation of a truck carrying sand and gravel in Barangay Lagtang, Talisay City, last Friday.
“Joavan was just doing his job. So far, minus, the allegation, mas daghan man siguro siya og nadakpan,†Fernadez told reporters saying that his son was only implementing the task given to him as head of the vanguard or local enforcers of environmental laws as deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
Businessman Julius Abad filed charges against Joavan along with his companions Jeffrey Sy and Benedict Gabasa for confiscating his truck carrying sand and gravel. He alleged that it was the second time that Joavan impounded his truck even after he presented documents.
But the mayor said that if their business is legitimate, they have no reason to get mad if their papers and documents will be scrutinized. He said he has been receiving reports that their delivery receipt are being faked and tampered.
“Kung dili makuha ang ilang tinguha, mopasangil dayon sila ni Joavan og extortion. Wala mana’y problema, ato man i-release kung mapamatud-an nga legitimate ilang documents,†the mayor added.
But the DENR’s Mines and Geosciences Bureau said they stopped deputizing citizens in September 2011 on orders of President Benigno Aquino III in an amendment of Executive Order 79.
MGB-7 legal officer Gerardo Mahusay said Talisay City has its own ordinance to deal with illegal sand and gravel hauling. Mahusay said illegal quarrying takes place in Jaclupan, Camp 3 and Camp 4 in Talisay City, as well as in other parts of Toledo City.
Talisay City is considered an entry point of illegal mining activities but the local government is not coordinating with the DENR. –/BRP (FREEMAN)