Emano forms probe team on alleged illegal wharf operating in Gingoog city

By Edwin Iyo
Correspondent .

Misamis Oriental Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano has formed a team to investigate an illegal wharf allegeding operating along the coastal areas of Barangay Punong in Gingoog City.

It was learned that the wharf has been operating without permits and a license.

Emano said he wanted to know the real situation in the area and wants to send the team to document the alleged illegal wharf.

A diver from Gingoog, who refused to be named, said the wharf has caused damages to the coral reefs and has destroyed the fishing ground in the area.

“Gitambakan ang mga natural nga mga bato ilalum sa dagat ug na damage ang coral reefs,” the diver claimed.

Community Environment and Natural Resources officer Conrado Mahinay, Jr of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources based in Gingoog, said his office has also received reports that a wharf was built allegedly without securing foreshore permit and offshore permit first.

“Akong nahibaw an humana gitukod ang wharf ug nag operate na ayha giproseso ug apply ang mga dokumento sama sa offshore permit foreshore permit ug ang PPA permit,” Mahinay revealed.

However, Cesar Casiño, the operator of the alleged illegal wharf, insists that he has the necessary permits to operate from PPA.

Casiño added that he has also secured an offshore and foreshore permits.

For his part, Mahinay said they will conduct a parallel investigation to Emano’s team.

“Ang gihimong wharf or docked yard dunggoanan sa mga barge nga mag transport sa tenoladang sand and gravel ug boulders dad on ngadto sa laing dapit gikan sa atong probinsiya nga makuha sa dakbayan sa Gingoog,” Emano said.

Rumors have spread around Gingoog City that the volumes of sand and gravel are being allegedly transported to Spratly Islands.

But Emano said he has yet received report regarding the issue.