KORONADAL CITY — The provincial government of South Cotabato has ordered an investigation into reports that Dole Philippines Inc. (Dolefil) allegedly conducted land clearing and tree cutting activities in Barangay Ned, Lake Sebu, without the required environmental permits.

Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. said the probe aims to verify whether Dolefil violated environmental and land use regulations, following complaints and visual evidence submitted by Lake Sebu Mayor Kent Fungan Jr. showing heavy equipment clearing forested areas.

Tamayo directed the Provincial Environment and Management Office (PEMO) and the Provincial Agrarian and Social Services Office (PASSO) to coordinate with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) in assessing the site and validating the allegations.

“We will not allow any company to bypass environmental procedures,” Tamayo said. “If violations are proven, we will recommend appropriate sanctions in coordination with national agencies.”

The governor underscored that environmental stewardship remains a top priority for South Cotabato, especially in Lake Sebu, a critical watershed and ancestral domain area home to the T’boli and Ubo tribes.

Provincial officials noted that unauthorized clearing could threaten the area’s ecosystem and displace indigenous communities dependent on the land for livelihood and cultural practices.

Meanwhile, Dolefil has yet to issue an official statement regarding the allegations and the ongoing provincial investigation.

Tamayo assured the public that the provincial government will uphold transparency throughout the process.

“Our stand is clear — progress should not come at the expense of our people or our environment,” he emphasized.