CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Councilor Antonio Bacaltos Jr., who is the chairman of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, warned that illegal extraction of sand and gravel in the river of Mananga will worsen if nothing is done to stop the rampant abuse.
"Extraction of sand and gravel is now alarming which needs to be stopped," Bacaltos said after he discovered during an ocular inspection in Mananga river.
The river is reportedly falling prey to digging operators and those who are stockpiling of gravel and sand.
The Mananga River is an integral part of the Central Cebu River System, which also includes Combado-Lusaran River Basin, Kotkot River Basin, and Coastal River basin.
An integral part of Mananga River is within the territorial boundary of the City of Talisay, thus maximum protection to safeguard the ecological welfare of the river is of utmost importance.
Bacaltos already called on Mayor Johnny V. De los Reyes to activate the Mananga task force to focus in arresting personalities involved in illegal extraction of sand and gravel especially in Mananga river bed.
"Nagka grabe na gyud ang pagkawot sa bas ug graba sir dili na gyud matabang mao na nga angay na gyud ning pitolon ang nagbuhat sa ingon," Bacaltos said, adding that the city government allocated P4.5 million for the task force operation but was not yet been used.
Based on his observation, Bacaltos said each person could get 10 sacks of sand and gravel everyday and sell it to individuals who are constructing houses and other establishments.
"I would still make our own initiative for now but if there is a need for back up then I will tap the local police," Bacaltos said, adding that he would also investigate the report that some construction firm and hardware are the ones who buy the sand and gravel extracted illegally.