• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Clogged rocks and logs in waterways were blamed for the widespread flooding in communities near Mt. Kanlaon, which displaced more than 100,000 families.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is looking into reports of illegal logging within the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park, which prompted the government agency to conduct inspections in Murcia, La Carlota City, and La Castellana in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.
DENR-Negros Island Region Director Charlie Fabre said initial investigation showed that the flooding was caused by the blockage of waterways and bridges by uprooted trees and boulders, leading to the overflow of water in other directions.
Fabre said the loosening of soil due to frequent earthquakes and heavy rains led to landslides and uprooting of trees along the riverbanks, which were carried by rampaging water downstream.
Initial assessment of DENR also showed that fallen trees did not have chainsaw cuts.
Negros Occidental Fourth District Rep. Jeffrey Ferrer earlier called on the DENR to investigate the alleged illegal activities at the upper portion of Mt. Kanlaon.
Meanwhile, Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez filed House Resolution No. 432, urging a joint congressional inquiry into the climate risk and vulnerability in Negros Island Region, emphasizing the adoption of nature-based solutions, data-driven tools like Project NOAH, and climate-responsive governance across local governments. | GB
