World · Philippines Bureau
Oriental Mindoro barangay seeks halt to river dredging project
Local officials in Pulang Tubig have formally requested suspension of the Alag River Restoration and Dredging Project, alleging procedural deficiencies in environmental assessments and compliance with municipal regulations.
LSN Philippines ·
BACO, Oriental Mindoro — The barangay council of Pulang Tubig in Baco has called for an immediate halt to the proposed Alag River Restoration and Dredging Project, including its coastal and marine operations, over concerns regarding the adequacy of environmental review procedures.
Local barangay officials contend that the project advancement has not satisfied critical environmental assessment requirements and has failed to comply with applicable municipal legal frameworks. The dredging initiative, which encompasses both riverine and maritime components, has become the subject of scrutiny from residents and officials in the barangay.
The formal request marks the first significant local opposition to the restoration effort, which was intended to address riverine conditions in the area. The barangay council's action underscores ongoing tensions between development initiatives and community concerns over environmental safeguards in Oriental Mindoro municipalities.
Project proponents have not yet issued a public response to the suspension request. The matter is expected to be taken up by municipal authorities as discussions continue regarding the environmental and legal compliance questions raised by Pulang Tubig officials.