MGB to LGUs: Check site developments in your areas

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Central Visayas is urging local government units to regularly check the site developments in their respective jurisdictions.

MGB-7 Information Officer Marian Codilla said the bureau received reports about extraction activities in the region in the guise of a site development.

She called on local officials to monitor the progress of the ongoing site developments. They are also advised to report to MGB-7 any illegal operation.

The warning came following a landslide that hit a site development area in Sitio Kabulihan, Barangay Ilihan in Toledo City, midwest Cebu last Saturday. No injuries or casualties were reported. Residents living nearby, especially within the 300-meter radius, have been advised to evacuate due to fear of another landslide.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDDRMO) Chief Baltazar Tribunalo earlier said it is still unclear whether the landslide that hit the area earlier was caused by quarrying.

PDDRMO heard claims that the site developers are reportedly engaging into treasure hunting.

On Thursday, Toledo City Mayor John Henry Osmeña issued a cease and desist order against the site development and quarry operations in Sitio Kabulihan after cracks and soil erosion were observed in the area.

Earl Teo of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office said they are closely monitoring the ground movement of the site development project, as well as the reported cracks.

He said the office is already coordinating with the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Mines and Geosciences Bureau to assess if the area is still safe for habitation.

In the event of heavy rainfall, he said the city would enforce force evacuation.

About 20 households are living near the quake site, he said. —