The Cebu City Council on Monday recommended the issuance of cease and desist orders (CDOs) against six development projects in mountain barangays following inspections aimed at preventing environmental disasters.

The move is anchored on Executive Order (EO) 13, also known as “Oplan Likay sa Landslide” (“Likay” means prevent or avoid), which seeks to protect 30 upland barangays from landslides by suspending quarrying and earth-moving activities.

Identified for immediate closure were San Lorenzo Development Corp. for earth-moving at San Lorenzo Village in Barangay Binaliw; Hallay’s Ville Project for hauling activities in Barangay Buhisan; Suico’s property/Inday Aalliyah Enterprises for alleged illegal quarrying in Barangay Budlaan; JT Ayne Construction for alleged illegal earth-moving in Barangay Binaliw; Powerplus Aggregates Systems for alleged illegal earth-moving in Barangay Binaliw; and PLD Construction and Development Inc. for hauling at the proposed Villa Montana Subdivision in Binaliw.

PLD Construction President Peter Dy told the DAILY TRIBUNE that the matter is being handled by his son.

“It is being handled by my son. We already replied with formal letter to Cebu City,” Dy said.

Investigators reportedly used drones to monitor dump trucks and backhoes allegedly operating without permits. One company was also found to have continued hauling soil despite an expired permit.

Meanwhile, a Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project in Barangay Buhisan is also under investigation for allegedly failing to secure the required hauling and tree-cutting permits. It is the seventh upland project now undergoing legal review.