By CESAR JOLITO III

The Candoni municipal government confirmed that earth-moving activities at the controversial palm oil plantation operated by Hacienda Asia Plantation Inc. (HAPI) in the town have stopped, following continued monitoring efforts by municipal authorities.

Candoni Mayor Ray Ruiz told members of the media that, based on the reports from their personnel under the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, only planting operations are currently taking place at the site.

This development comes after a recent inspection by the Enforcement Division of the Environmental Management Bureau in Western Visayas, which was prompted by reports that earth-moving activities were still ongoing despite a cease and desist order (CDO) issued against HAPI.

Ruiz expressed hope that HAPI will continue to comply with the CDO and cease all prohibited activities in the plantation.

One of the key issues raised against HAPI is its alleged operation without an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) — a requirement under Philippine environmental laws.

The Candoni local government assured that it will sustain close monitoring of the site to ensure environmental regulations are upheld.

Earlier, the Environmental Management Bureau in Western Visayas executed an investigation into reports that quarrying and bulldozing activities are ongoing at the palm plantation despite the issuance of CDO.

HAPI had earlier assured Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson that quarry operations at the plantation would be halted and that the company would apply for ECC as required by law./CJ, WDJ