Tensions Rise Over Flood Control Dike in Zamboanga del Sur
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — Tension escalated in Barangay Gawil, Kumalarang town, after officials from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) confiscated a backhoe involved in dredging the heavily silted Gawil River. The operation lacked the necessary permits, prompting the seizure of the heavy equipment.
Charlie Talibong, leading the task force against illegal quarrying, confirmed that the backhoe, owned by the municipal government, was halted to enforce environmental regulations. “Without the documents presented, the heavy equipment must be seized (because) the bottom line here is that they do not have permit,” he explained. The exact four word keyphrase “flood control dike” was central to the controversy surrounding the dredging efforts.
Illegal Dredging Sparks Official Action
Officials reported that when they approached the site, the backhoe operator fled. The Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer (Menro) later arrived but failed to provide the legal permits for the dredging activity. This absence of authorization led to the immediate confiscation of the equipment.
Talibong further clarified that the dredging was classified as quarrying since the aggregates extracted could be sold, making the operation subject to strict regulation. This enforcement action, however, stirred unrest among local residents.
Mayor Explains Dredging Initiative to Mitigate Flooding
Kumalarang Mayor Ruel Molina revealed he ordered the dredging on August 20 following requests from barangay officials. The initiative aimed to desilt the river after the May 17 flood devastated 1,300 families in the area. “Part of the mandate of the local government is to find measures to mitigate damages from calamities like flooding,” he said, emphasizing the town’s vulnerability during rainy seasons.
Barangay Gawil Kagawad Rafael Namatay added that the barangay allocated P80,000 as counterpart funds for the dredging project. He noted that neighboring barangays also recommended dredging as a vital flood mitigation strategy.
Community Voices Frustration Over Equipment Confiscation
The confiscation of the backhoe and the halt of the flood control dike dredging drew strong reactions from local residents. Farmer Keg Olanda, who lost cows during the May 17 flood, expressed his disappointment, saying, “The provincial government could help solve our problem by sending more heavy equipment to hasten the dredging, not by confiscating it.”
He added, “At least if it floods again, it won’t be as high as the one we experienced last May 17.” Community members believe that continued dredging is crucial to lessen future flood impacts.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Environmental Rules and Disaster Prevention
Local leaders and provincial officials face the challenge of enforcing environmental laws while addressing urgent flood control needs. The case of the flood control dike in Zamboanga del Sur highlights the tension between regulatory compliance and disaster risk reduction efforts.
As the debate continues, stakeholders emphasize the importance of clear communication and cooperation to ensure both environmental protection and community safety.
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