Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered the suspension of all operations of the two dolomite mining companies in Alcoy, Cebu to give way to the ongoing investigation on their possible impact to the marine ecosystem.
The investigation will cover the possible effects of quarrying activities on the marine ecosystem of the area, including the reported destruction of coral reefs.
Cimatu said they have already sent divers “to look into possible coral destructions.”
“I talked to my Environmental Management Bureau to collect samples of water there, and bring it to the laboratory to check the quality of the water here. So that’s my concern really, and then the environmental issues brought out by the province against these companies,” Cimatu added.
The artificial white sand used in the controversial beautification as part of the rehabilitation of Manila Bay came from Alcoy, Cebu.
– Report from John Aroa
