MGB, local gov’t should’ve acted upon discovery of cracks in Naga, Cebu quarry site —DENR exec

The tragic landslide in Naga, Cebu could have been avoided had the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the concerned local government unit (LGU) acted immediately after the discovery of cracks and fissures on the site of the fatal incident.

"Dapat kasi nung may crack na 'yan kahit maliit pa, dapat ay nagkaroon na agad sila ng action... ang MGB at lokal na pamahalaan doon," Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said in an interview on Super Radyo dzBB on Saturday.

"The fact na may mga crack na doon sa area dapat nag-timbre na sila sa community na umalis na sila doon," Leones said.

Reportedly triggered by heavy rains, a landslide struck early Thursday morning at Barangay Naalad and Sitio Sindulan in Barangaya Tinaan, Naga City in Cebu. 

The deadly incident has so far claimed 29 lives.

The MGB Region 7 said it had earlier conducted an inspection after Naga City Mayor Kristina Chiong issued a cease and desist order against a cement company located at the site.

However, the MGB-7 found that the fissures at the site were not caused by mining activities.

Following the deadly landslide, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has fired top officials of the MGB in Region 7 and ordered a  temporary stop on all quarrying activities in at least eight regions. 

"Pinag-e-explain na sila ngayon... iniimbestigahan na ang mga nakatutok at nakabantay doon sa area," Leones said. — MDM, GMA News