By Ben Balce
Associate Editor

CAGAYAN de Oro City Council’s Committee on Trade and Commerce yesterday took the complaints made by residents against the crematorium run by a private company here.

Chaired by Councilor George Goking, the committee has already taken official cognizance of the complaint against the Crematorium of the Divine Shepherd Memorial Gardens in Barangay Bulua.

“We investigated it in the interest of health and economic security of the city,” said Goking.

Earlier, the concern of residents about the dark smoke emanating from the crematorium has been posted on Facebook on Aug. 27 and went “viral.”

On Aug. 31, one of the residents, Jane Saligumba, was even invited to a television program hosted by media personality Raffy Tulfo.

“We will not sacrifice our environment for business, thus, this committee meeting held,” said Goking

He also said that the committee already sent a copy of resolution No. 003-2021 via courier to TV5 anchorman Raffy Tulfo yesterday afternoon.

Goking said during its first meeting, the Committee has invited the management of Divine Shepherd Memorial Gardens to hear their side on the causes of the crematorium emitting black and odorous fumes.

The management said the crematorium informed the committee that they have suspended their operation last Thursday to upgrade their machines as part of their yearly maintenance.

“The committee pledged to continually look into the issue with the intention of foremost protecting the health of residents while providing economic stability during this pandemic,” Goking said.

Earlier, during the inspection of the City Local Environment and Natural Resources Office head Engr. Armen Cuenca, the management of the facility voluntarily stopped its operation last Thursday.

“It was stopped in order for the company to make some adjustments on their equipment,” said Goking.

He said the management now made some adjustments in compliance with health and safety protocols.

The resolution was certified and signed by Goking and the council’s legislative support services chief Marietta Palagbas.