Cebu Luxury Project Probed: Investigation Finds 734 Trees Lost Before 'Unprecedented' Flooding

Cebu City authorities and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have launched a dual investigation into "The Rise at Monterrazas," a luxury residential complex, following unprecedented flooding in Barangay Guadalupe.

New building in slope mountain and a flooded houses down the hill, AI generated image

AI generated image: New building constructed on the slope mountain and the flooded houses down the hill

Local residents are linking the high-end project, which involves sculpting a hillside into a "rice terraces–like" design, to the severe flooding that occurred during Typhoon Tino. They report the floodwaters reached near-rooftop levels, a phenomenon locals say is new to the area.

The official probes are focusing heavily on allegations of massive deforestation at the site. The DENR Region 7 revealed a dramatic loss of tree cover: an inventory in 2022 recorded 745 trees, but a follow-up last Friday found only 11 remain.

While the project proponent reportedly holds a cutting permit, officials emphasized the significant forest cover depletion over the last three years. The DENR has assembled a team to review the development’s compliance with its Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC). If violations are confirmed, the agency is prepared to issue penalties, suspensions, or other sanctions.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has backed the investigation, stating the local government is prepared to act decisively. “If they say it should be closed, then we will do that… for the welfare of the city and the people living below,” the Mayor affirmed.

The developer of The Rise at Monterrazas has not yet issued a statement on the allegations, with a security guard at the office stating no personnel were available to speak to the press.

(Source: Unang Balita Report)

Reference link for the original news report: https://youtube.com/watch?v=YcJmOWv0kv4&si=UFCF3JqL-oP5CFjW

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