SAN JOSE, Antique — An environmental coalition has accused government agencies of turning a blind eye to what it describes as a “blatant display of environmental impunity,” after endangered marine turtle nesting sites got reportedly bulldozed to pave the way for a controversial four-kilometer esplanade, seawall, and road project along the Barangay Funda-Dalipe coastline here.
The Amlig Antique Alliance (AMLIG), a broad-based network of non-government organizations, religious groups, academe, and civil society organizations, bared what it called as “appalling evidence” of turtle nesting sites being allegedly wiped out in ongoing construction activities stretching from barangays San Pedro to Funda-Dalipe.
“We have documented evidence of turtles nesting in areas where bulldozers are now operating,” said AMLIG chairperson Atty. Rolly Pedriña.
AMLIG lamented that the government failed to respond to its April 10 demand for an immediate Cease-and-Desist Order, despite what it called as “clear violations” of Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act), a Sangguniang Panlalawigan resolution, and a formal letter of opposition from the Funda-Dalipe Fisherfolk Association (FDFFA).
“Five days have passed and still there is no action,” the group stated, adding that the continued silence of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) amounts to complicity.
AMLIG cited three major alleged violations:
1. Environmental Compliance Shortcut
The group stressed that the project should be classified as an Environmentally Critical Project (ECP) under Presidential Degree (PD) 1586. However, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) allegedly secured only a simplified Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), bypassing a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and mandatory public consultations. A project billboard identifying the contractor, J.E. Tico Construction, was reportedly installed only on April 14 — contrary to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) transparency policies.
2. Destruction of Endangered Turtle Habitats
The project area overlaps with nesting grounds of endangered marine turtles and lies within the buffer zone of the San Jose Marine Protected Area (MPA). AMLIG warned that the operation of heavy machinery risks destroying turtle nests and degrading the surrounding marine ecosystem.
“Despite DPWH assurances, no revised plans have been submitted,” AMLIG noted.
3. Exclusion of Local Stakeholders
Residents from at least seven barangays reportedly received no invitation to participate in public consultations, and FDFFA’s opposition was allegedly ignored by the municipal government.
CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Atty. Pedriña said: “This is a preventable ecological disaster, but there is still time for agencies to act. If not, we will pursue legal action.”
Their group warned that unless agencies take immediate action, they risk administrative and criminal liability.
It urged the following:
* EMB Region 6 to issue a Cease-and-Desist Order and review the validity of the ECC.
* PENRO San Jose to exercise its independent authority to stop the project.
* CENRO Belison and Municipal ENRO San Jose to enforce habitat protection.
* DPWH and J.E. Tico Construction to brace for potential sanctions such as fines, imprisonment, and blacklisting under environmental laws and DPWH Order No. 10 (s. 2021).
Atty. Pedriña said both Gov. Rhodora Cadiao and Mayor Justin Encarnacion have the authority under the Local Government Code to order a temporary stoppage of the project.
AMLIG already elevated its complaints to DENR Secretary Toni Yulo-Loyzaga, Sen. Loren Legarda, and other local officials.
The group warned that time is running out to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
The EMB, PENRO, and CENRO could not be reached for comment as of this writing./PN
