The National Irrigation Administration (NIA) stressed that the Magat Dam should not be directly blamed for the submersion of several areas in the two provinces.
NIA Administrator Ricardo Visaya pointed out that flooding could have been prevented if the anti-illegal logging and mining activities have been strictly regulated and implemented.
Visaya emphasized that the release of water from the dam is always being regulated. This was not done without precaution during the recent typhoons.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) assured that it is continuously coordinating with law enforcement agencies to put an end to illegal logging.
House Speaker Lord Allan Velasco said it would be better to review if the observance of protocols during such times were followed to determine if the flooding incident was an “act of man.”
Isabela Rep. Tonypet Albano pointed out that the DENR should improve its measures against illegal logging which he said is prevalent in their area, placing them at the receiving end of the blame. – Report from Daniel Manalastas
