KALIBO, Aklan – The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) here will conduct an investigation into the cutting of trees during the province’s road clearing operations.
Provincial environment officer Aran Rubin on Thursday said they received reports that the towns of Banga and New Washington cut trees along the highway.
“There has been a massive confusion as to the policies of the road clearing and road widening program. The policy issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government only meant for road clearing which excludes cutting of trees,” he added.
The cutting of trees by the local government was allegedly undertaken without proper consultation from the PENRO.
“Aside from the two towns mentioned, there were also other towns which cut trees but immediately stopped as soon as they were warned. Nevertheless, other local governments may still be fined,” Rubin said.
The PENRO conducted an inventory of the trees cut and their monetary values.
It will also fine the local government involved in the said activity./PN
