DENR Criticized for Inaction on Illegal Plantation in Candoni

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – The Group of Environmental Socialists (GOES) and Green Alert Network (GAN) have criticized the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Negros Occidental provincial government for their alleged failure to address illegal palm oil plantation operations by Hacienda Asia Plantation Inc. (HAPI) in Candoni.

In a statement provided to the Daily Guardian on Wednesday, the groups alleged that HAPI continues its operations without obtaining an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), causing significant environmental damage without facing repercussions.

The DENR-EMB Region 6 has issued a Notice of Violation to HAPI for its disregard of environmental regulations, according to the statement.

However, the groups slammed DENR Region 6 for its “lackadaisical response,” claiming the agency’s assertion of having no jurisdiction over revoking HAPI’s Integrated Forest Management Agreement (IFMA) is unacceptable.

“The DENR’s nonchalant attitude toward this pressing issue betrays its duty to protect the environment and enforce the law,” the groups said.

They also criticized Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson for issuing an executive order to create a monitoring team for the plantation despite its lack of an ECC and alleged violations.

“This is an act of complicity in the destruction of our natural resources,” they said.

The groups expressed deep concern over the local government’s perceived support of illegal operations, saying, “It is troubling that the local government prioritizes enabling illegal activities over the well-being of the environment and the community.”

GOES and GAN called on the DENR and the provincial government to take immediate and decisive action to halt the plantation’s operations and hold HAPI accountable for its violations.

“The continued destruction of our forests and ecosystems cannot go unchecked,” they said.

The groups emphasized the urgency of protecting the environment, urging the DENR to fulfill its mandate before it is too late.