KINOGUITAN Mayor Danilo Lagbas, Jr. is set to face administrative charges for allegedly neglecting the illegal construction and operation of Port Nouveau, which has caused damage to coral reefs in the bay area of Barangay Panabol in Misamis Oriental.
The charges, which include gross neglect of duty and conduct prejudicial to the public, were confirmed by Provincial Board Member Wayne Militante in a phone interview.
Militante stated that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will convene as a quasi-judicial body on September 19 to review Mayor Lagbas' formal response to the case filed against him.
The principal complaint was lodged by Vice Mayor Tomas Zarate.
The port, reportedly built without proper documentation, was found to have violated environmental regulations following a 2019 investigation by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-10.
Panabol Barangay Chairman Celestino Cena acknowledged the port’s potential economic benefits but admitted that the structure obstructed fishermen’s usual routes.
He also noted that the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-10 found the port in violation of laws protecting marine life, specifically regarding coral reef destruction.
As of press time, Mayor Lagbas has yest to issue a statement in response to the allegations.
