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[av_heading heading=’Kalibo LGU, PENRO vs Aklan River dredging’ tag=’h3′ style=’blockquote modern-quote’ size=” subheading_active=’subheading_below’ subheading_size=’15’ padding=’10’ color=” custom_font=”][/av_heading]
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KALIBO, Aklan – The local government unit (LGU) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) were against the planned dredging of the Aklan River.
A Chinese vessel tasked to perform the dredging — an initiative of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) — was currently docked at the part of the river in Barangay Bakhaw Norte.
Mayor William Lachica claimed the LGU was not informed about the plan.
Bakhaw Norte residents were alarmed upon seeing the vessel, which docked at the river on Wednesday last week, Nov. 23.
Philippine Coast Guard personnel were dispatched to inspect the ship.
“We went around the ship five times and asked the crew to open the door, but nobody responded,” said Lachica.
“Based on our initial investigation, the Chinese came here to dredge the Aklan River,” Petty Officer 1 Jose Jessie Gayoba of the Coast Guard said last week. “But I was informed they don’t have permits from the local government.”
“We received information from the (Coast Guard) central office that a Chinese vessel is coming, but we could not (yet) ascertain if the vessel that arrived is the same one we were informed about,” Gayoba added.
Later Lachica said they learned the DPWH knew about the plan to dredge the river up to 7 meters deep.
“I learned the office of President Rodrigo Duterte already asked the [PENRO] for an explanation regarding the planned dredging,” the mayor said. “The PENRO told me they, too, are opposing the plan.”
The Chinese vessel remained docked at the river at press time, waiting for a go-signal.
The Sangguniang Bayan was also set to file a resolution to formally oppose the project. (PNA)
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