The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has exposed massive environmental violations at the Monterrazas de Cebu hillside development, including the illegal cutting of over 700 trees across the 140-hectare property.
Typhoon Investigation Reveals Environmental Damage
This discovery emerged from a comprehensive investigation launched after Typhoon Tino triggered flooding and land movement in the area. The probe revealed serious breaches of environmental laws that may have contributed to the disaster's impact on surrounding communities.
During a radio interview on Thursday, Assistant Regional Director for Technical Services Eddie Llanedo confirmed that investigators documented the extensive tree cutting within the development property. This represents a significant violation of the Forestry Code and other environmental protection laws.
Multiple Environmental Laws Violated
According to Llanedo, the Monterrazas development requested the tree inventory themselves as part of their application for an amended environmental compliance certificate (ECC). The investigation, however, revealed they failed to comply with multiple regulations.
The development violated not only the Forestry Code but also the Clean Water Act and the Philippine Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) System, based on joint inspections conducted on November 6 and 7.
DENR officials found that the developer failed to meet 10 out of 33 conditions outlined in their Environmental Compliance Certificate. This represents a significant compliance failure that raises questions about the project's environmental management.
Defective Infrastructure Worsened Flooding
Investigators discovered that several of the 17 detention ponds designed to manage stormwater runoff were either damaged or filled with mud. This critical infrastructure failure resulted in uncontrolled surface runoff that exacerbated flooding in downstream communities.
The defective detention ponds directly contributed to the worsening flood conditions experienced by neighboring areas during Typhoon Tino, highlighting the real-world consequences of the environmental violations.
Llanedo explained that aside from the notice of violation and stoppage order issued against the developer, each ECC violation carries an administrative fine of P50,000. Additional penalties may be imposed under the Forestry Code and Clean Water Act.
The DENR is now examining other development projects for potential environmental law violations, signaling a broader crackdown on non-compliant developments across the region.
