By CESAR JOLITO III

Provincial and congressional officials in Negros Occidental are seeking special clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to remove volcanic debris from waterways in Mt. Kanlaon National Park (MKNP), saying existing restrictions are slowing the clearing response.

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and 5th District Representative Emilio “Dino” Yulo inspected Tamburong Creek in La Castellana town’s Barangay Biak na Bato, where lahar-like materials from Kanlaon Volcano’s June eruption continue to obstruct water flow.

They were joined by La Castellana Mayor Añejo Nicor and MKNP officer-in-charge Forester Philip Lechoncito.

Yulo said that while heavy equipment is available, environmental regulations bar the transport of debris outside MKNP.

As a result, cleared materials often wash back into creeks and rivers during rains.

“The problem isn’t equipment — it’s the restriction. Without a special permit, the volcanic debris cannot be hauled out of the park, which defeats the purpose of clearing,” Yulo explained.

He said his office will formally request DENR Secretary Raphael Lotilla to authorize the removal of debris, stressing the urgent need to protect communities downstream from flooding and mudflows.

Under current law, excavated materials from protected areas cannot be taken out without explicit government approval.

Lacson said securing DENR’s go-signal is vital to making the clearing operations sustainable.

“We need a long-term solution that prioritizes both environmental protection and public safety,” he added.

The provincial government has been conducting clearing operations since the eruption, but officials admit progress remains temporary unless the debris can be permanently relocated./CJ, WDJ