Rally vs. alleged quarrying politically motivated—Baraan
LINGAYEN—A rally was held last week at the Maramba Boulevard to protest the alleged illegal quarrying operations in the province but the provincial government brushed this aside saying it was nothing but a “politically-motivated” action.
Provincial Administrator Rafael F. Baraan said those who joined the rally were barangay kagawads who refuse to support the Espino administration’s projects.
“Hindi naman environmentalist yang mga ‘yan. Sila yong mga kagawad na tumututol sa magandang project ng probinsya,” Baraan said in a statement, adding that the rallyists did not have the necessary permits for their protest action.
He also clarified that a complaint was already filed before the ombudsman and pending decision, the provincial government has ceased the development of the eco-tourism site in question.
“Nagtataka kami bakit hindi nila nire-respeto yong Ombudsman at patuloy pa rin sa kanilang complain. Dapat hindi na yan pinag-uusapan kung saan-saan kasi nasa korte na yan. Dapat hintayin na lang nila,” he said.
“Everything is politically motivated… It is obvious that their motive is purely politics,” Baraan added.
The provincial administrator also underscored that the provincial government will not sacrifice the welfare of the environment and the people just for personal gain.
On the issue that the dismantling operation against illegal structures in rivers conducted by the present administration has resulted to loss of income opportunity for marginalized fishermen, Baraan defended, “hindi totoo na nawalan sila ng hanapbuhay ang totoo, hindi lang sila nakikinabang ngayon para magamit ang ilog bilang personal property nila.” (PIO)
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