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Env’t group backs Casiguran mayor decision not to grant permit to logging firm

BAGUIO CITY (Dec. 9) — Environmental groups in Aurora province backed Casiguran town Mayor Reynaldo Bitong, who was issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) by Regional Trial Court Branch 96 Judge Corazon Soluren, in the Petition for Mandamus by the logging company Industries Development Corporation (IDC).

The Save DICADI (Dinalungan, Casiguran and Dilasag towns) Movement and the Multi-Sectoral Action Group supported the mayor’s decision not to issue the mayor’s permit to the IDC, and declared to “permanently stop IDC and other companies” from exploiting Aurora’s forests to prevent any attempt to plunder the province’s remaining resources.

The TRO specifically prohibits Bitong to order the closure or issue cease and decease order for the log pond, sawmill and veneer plant of IDC situated at Brgy. Dibacong, Casiguran, Aurora; hold or order the prohibition of the entry of IDCs hauling truck from Dilasag towards its plant in Dibacong, Casiguran; hold or order the prohibition of IDC’s employees to go to work; or any act that will hamper IDC’s operations.

Nine large-scale logging companies are currently operating in Aurora. Namely, IDC’s operations were suspended in 2004 due to the frequent flash floods in the province. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Mike Defensor lifted the suspension on August 2005.

On December 7, the Save DICADI Movement reported IDC started hauling logs with DENR escorts.

“Two six-by-six trucks owned by IDC, hauled logs on Dec.7 at around 1 and 6 P.M., respectively. Each truck, with unrecognizable license plate numbers, was loaded with six pieces of round logs or an estimated volume of 10,000 board feet for the two trucks”, the Movement claimed. They added that the DENR personnel escorted the trucks from Brgy Lawang in Dilasag to Brgy. Dibacong in Casiguran. # AT Bengwayan for NORDIS

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