Environmental activists filed motions on Tuesday, July 19, urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to stop the reported cutting of trees in the city of Batangas.
The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) claimed that the tree-cutting activities were done by Linseed Field Corporation and Excellent Energy Resources, Inc., proponents of liquefied natural gas projects in the province.
“We are asking the DENR and its incoming Secretary, Ma. Antonia ‘Toni’ Yulo-Loyzaga, to protect the Verde Island Passage and its surrounding areas, considered as the center of the center of biodiversity, from activities which threaten its fragile ecology,” said Arances.
He said that there is “no reason” to expand LNG use in the Philippines.
In a separate statement, Father Edwin Gariguez of Protect VIP said LNG projects in Batangas City have become threats to the Verde Island Passage, known as a center of global marine biodiversity.
“These projects are endangering the livelihood of fisherfolk in Batangas, Mindoro, and the other islands that surround the passage in addition to the environmental damage. The DENR should act and act swiftly to prevent this from happening,” he added.
