Talisay SKF leader seeks halt to mining

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City SK Federation president Carmel John Burlas is seeking the suspension of small scale quarrying in barangay Lagtang following complaints by residents in the area and commuters who claim the activity inconveniences them. 

In yesterday’s council session, Burlas proposed a resolution asking for the suspension of the operation, operated reportedly by a certain Boy Trinidad, for allegedly violating conditions stipulated in the permits issued to him.

The council approved his proposal.

Burlas, in an interview with the reporters, said the road leading to the excavation becomes muddy when it rains and dusty when the ground is dry. â€Grabe gyud kaayo ang lapok sa maong lugar ilabi na kung kusog ang uwan. Kung ting-init pud, ang lapok nga migahi, maka-cause pud og grabeng abog. Nang-reklamo na gyud ang mga residente sa maong lugar,” Burlas said. 

At least 60 residents in the area have already filed a petition to temporarily suspend the operation.

City Councilor Bernard Odilao, chairman of the committee on environment, said he has not yet received the complaints but after hearing Burlas’ petition, he would check.

“Ato gyud nang ipatan-aw kay legitimate man ang maong complaint,” Odilao said.  

Talisay City opposition Councilors Valeriano “Val” Ylanan and Danilo Caballero yesterday said that they were proven right when they proposed a resolution asking for the temporary suspension of all operations of small scale quarrying in the city. 

Ylanan wants the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate an ongoing quarrying along Lagtang and Jaclupan Road.  (FREEMAN)