Cebu City Environment Office Calls for Halt to Illegal Earth-Moving in Binaliw Subdivision
The Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Ccenro) has identified illegal earth-moving activities in an upland subdivision in Barangay Binaliw and is recommending the issuance of a cease-and-desist order (CDO) against Powerplus Aggregate Systems Co., Ltd. This action follows an inspection prompted by resident complaints, highlighting significant environmental and safety concerns in the area.
Inspection Reveals Violations and Landslide Risks
In an endorsement dated February 20, 2026, Ccenro Head Editha Flores forwarded an inspection report to Councilor David Tumulak, chairman of the Committee on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management. The report, based on an ocular inspection conducted on February 12 at Spring Valley Country Homes in Sitio Sta. Ana, was initiated after a complaint received via Messenger app.
The complainant alleged that Powerplus Aggregate Systems Co., Ltd. was illegally excavating land along a road used by their trucks to access an aggregates processing facility. During the inspection, the team observed signs of recent excavation, road cutting, and minor landslides. The road had become more steeply inclined compared to a previous inspection on October 13, 2025, with the hilltop area deemed highly dangerous for landslides.
Resident Testimony and Regulatory Breaches
The team interviewed the complainant, Marichi Patigayon, who stated that the company continuously leveled the road, causing the side of her property to thin out and become dangerously prone to collapse. She also noted that the company failed to construct a retaining wall and did not hold a public hearing or present permits to affected residents.
Ccenro's findings concluded that illegal earth-moving had occurred, violating Section 5 of Executive Order No. 13, known as "Oplan Likay sa Landslide." This EO suspends all quarry and earth-moving activities in 30 upland barangays vulnerable to landslides, including Barangay Binaliw. Additionally, the site is adjacent to an area owned by Powerplus that already has a pending CDO.
Recommendations and Government Response
As a result, Ccenro urged the Office of the Mayor, with assistance from the City Legal Office, to immediately halt operations by issuing a CDO. This aligns with Mayor Nestor Archival's directive to strictly monitor developments in mountainous areas. The office also suggested conducting a technical conference involving the complainant, the company, the homeowners' association, and other government agencies to discuss the issue.
On February 25, Councilor Tumulak endorsed the report for inclusion in the agenda of the regular council session on Tuesday, March 3, ensuring the matter will be addressed at the governmental level.
