Photo courtesy BFP
HOUSE Deputy Majority Leader Erwin Tulfo and Davao de Oro 2nd District Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga and four other congressmen filed a resolution on Monday urging the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry, in aid of legislation, into the landslide in Maco, Davao de Oro that resulted in the death of more than 50 people last Feb. 6.
In a House Resolution No. 1586 filed by Tulfo and his colleagues from the ACT-CIS partylist Reps Edvic Yap and Jocelyn Tulfo, and Benguet Rep. Eric Yap, Quezon City 2nd District Rep. Ralph Tulfo and Rep. Gonzaga, the lawmakers particularly asked the Congress to conduct an inquiry on the tragic incident despite the “no build zone” implemented in the area.
In a statement, Tulfo said that the tragedy could be avoided if the “no build zone” was strictly implemented.
“What I cannot understand at this point is that this catastrophe could have been avoided if only laws were strictly implemented,” Tulfo said.
“Ang tanong, bakit may tao pa rin doon at hinayaan lang sila na manirahan sa lugar kahit na gumuguho ang lupa nito?” He added. “Somebody has to take responsibility over this tragedy,” he also pointed out. Tulfo also urged the House of Representatives to review the existing laws regulated by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
“Despite the implementation of the “no build zone” policy, numerous residential structures and establishments were erected within the prohibited area, contributing to the heightened risk and severity of the landslide incident,” the lawmakers said in the resolution. As of yesterday, more than 50 people were killed in a landslide that hit Maco on Feb. 6.
“It is imperative to investigate the circumstances surrounding the landslide, including the factors that led to the violation of the “no build zone” policy and the enforcement mechanisms employed by the relevant authorities,” the solons added.
The resolution also said that the tragedy underscores the need for a thorough review of existing laws, regulations, and policies governing land use, environmental protection, and disaster risk reduction, particularly those administered by the MGB. It was also learned that devastating landslides have hit the province of Davao de Oro including the gold-rush villages of Napnapan in 2012 and 2015, and in the village of Diwalwal in 2005 to 2007.
Tulfo and the other lawmakers stated that the MGB plays a crucial role in overseeing mining activities, geological hazard assessments, and land use planning to ensure the safety and welfare of communities residing in geologically sensitive areas.
“A comprehensive review of existing laws and regulations enforced by the MGB is necessary to identify gaps, deficiencies, and opportunities for enhancement to prevent similar tragedies in the future,” the resolution added. “How many more lives must perish before our local leaders and government agencies realize that life is more valuable than income for the family or community or even for the state,” Tulfo added in his statement.
