CDC halts illegal diggings in Clark

A cease and desist order, or CDO, was issued by the Clark Development Corporation last week against Rolando Capiz for unauthorized digging and other earth-moving activities within the Clark Special Economic Zone, or CSEZ.

According to the CDC, the order was prompted by the lack of the required environmental and construction permits by Capiz, as mandated by the CDC.

CDC building facilities permits division manager Leoncio Tan issued the CDO to Capiz pursuant to the provisions of the National Building Code requiring permits for construction activities and similar works.

Capiz, reportedly renting heavy equipment, received the CDO for unauthorized activities in Sitios Monicayo and Calapi, Barangay Calumpang, CADT 025-A, jointly managed by CDC, Tribong Ayta and NCIP under a valid JMA.

EMB sanctions sought

On 11 August, Agnes VST Devanadera, CDC president and CEO, wrote to Gilbert Gonzales, Environmental Management Bureau director, urging action on the extensive 300-hectare earth moving activities.

She also requested that EMB should issue appropriate sanctions since the said activity lacks the required Environmental Compliance Certificate provided for in pertinent issuances of the Bureau.

Furthermore, on 31 July, Rommel Narciso, CDC's assistant vice president for External Affairs, inquired from NCIP RO3 regional director Roland Calde if their office has conducted the Free and Prior Informed Consent process and issued the corresponding certification precondition for the development activities being conducted in the area within CADT 025-A.

Calde, in a letter dated 12 September, informed the CDC that an investigation had been conducted on 29 August, revealing alleged earth moving activities without an FPIC application.

"Hence, the notice of cease-and-desist order to the concerned individuals and their partners for their permits at the DENR, LGU, endorsement of CDC, and processes of FPIC processes to the NCIP," Calde wrote.