DENR stops tree-cutting

CEBU CITY—The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has stopped a road-widening project in Talisay City after its contractor cut trees without a permit.

The Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Cenro) in Cebu City issued the order on July 9 to the project’s contractor, QM Builders.

At least 54 trees were cut in a protected area in Sitio Camp 2, Barangay Jaclupan in Talisay City.

Eddie Llamedo, regional spokesperson of the DENR in Central Visayas, said the Cenro inspected the area on July 2 after receiving a tip from a resident about trees being cut there.

The inspection team, composed of foresters Arnold Omandam and Lucio Cañete and forest ranger Lucito Sardanas, reported finding evidence of tree-cutting in the area.

In a report, the team said 54 stumps of mahogany, gmelina and ficus trees were found. It added that 53 more trees are threatened.