CALAPAN CITY, ORIENTAL MINDORO — The provincial government of Oriental Mindoro has temporarily suspended all dredging activities following thorough evaluations and recommendations from the Inter-Agency Committee. This move comes after more than two years of monitoring the Balete River Restoration project in Gloria town.
Officials reported that the suspension affects projects led by Bird’s Nest Resources Corporation (BNRC) and Southern Concrete Industries, Inc. (SCII). Governor Humerlito Dolor formally withdrew the notice to proceed (NTP) issued to both companies last month, emphasizing the need for an updated assessment of navigational waterways before continuing dredging operations.
Updated Waterway Assessments Prompt Suspension
The governor’s decision followed a request from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to reassess the navigability of rivers targeted for dredging. Dolor’s letter to BNRC highlighted the importance of reviewing the waterways’ current conditions to ensure the success of the large-scale dredging of the Alag and Longos rivers.
“This suspension, however, does not prohibit the proponent from complying with the conditions of the project’s Environmental Compliance Certificate,” the governor clarified in his communication to BNRC, allowing environmental safeguards to remain in place despite the halt.
Environmental Conditions and Official Responses
In a separate letter to SCII, Dolor explained that the DENR had flagged potential changes in hydrological and environmental factors affecting the Balete and Sumagui rivers. These changes necessitate a fresh evaluation to protect the integrity of the waterways.
On social media, the governor refuted rumors that dredging would resume soon. “The provincial government expressly denies the spreading fake news that dredging will occur today or on September 15, 2025. I personally wrote to the proponents in the towns of Gloria and Baco to discuss the issue further. We want dialogue and not chaos,” Dolor stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to transparency and public engagement.
Community members confirmed that no dredging activities have taken place elsewhere in Oriental Mindoro since the initial four test dredging operations in Gloria earlier this year.
Public Outcry and Calls for Total Cancellation
The Koalisyon Sagip Mindoro, a coalition composed of fishermen, business owners, medical professionals, and students, voiced strong opposition to the current suspension, labeling it insufficient. During a rally that attracted approximately 2,000 participants, the group demanded the full cancellation of all dredging projects.
“It has become clear that the dredging activities in Gloria, even though they are still in the testing phase, have already caused irreparable damage to the coastal areas. The suspension is merely a tactic to pacify the growing anger of the people against the project,” the coalition asserted, underscoring the environmental harm already observed.
Similarly, Kubayi Oriental Mindoro, a women’s rights advocacy organization, expressed support for halting all dredging efforts, citing the adverse effects on the livelihoods of residents in Barangay Balete.
Church and Legal Perspectives on Dredging
Religious leaders offered nuanced views on the matter. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, the Social Action Director of the Apostolic Vicariate of Calapan, distanced himself from the recent rally, clarifying that it was organized by groups responding to misinformation about dredging resuming this month.
Bishop Moises Cuevas had earlier issued a pastoral letter opposing dredging but made clear that the Church supports river restoration projects aimed at flood mitigation, provided these efforts are grounded in sound engineering and scientific research.
From the legal sector, lawyer Joel Jabal, former president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) provincial chapter, read a statement endorsing the prayer rally. He emphasized that any natural resource extraction must adhere strictly to existing laws to ensure community and environmental protection.
For more news and updates on Oriental Mindoro dredging activities, visit Filipinokami.com.
