FOUR of the seven component towns in Sarangani are now considered danger zones for heavy flash floods this rainy season, an environment group said.
The leader of Mindanao-based Ang Katipunan ng mga Samahang Maharlika (Ang Kasama) Inc. said the threat comes from the continuous illegal mining and cutting of trees.
Recently, truckloads of illegally cut logs intercepted by local authorities in Sarangani were released immediately when the logs were linked to a top government official. Another truckload of illegally cut timber from Maitum and Kiamba towns were again confiscated but were also released.
Records from the Provincial Risk Reduction Center of Sarangani revealed, that these towns had suffered the worst floods ever. Records said four major floods in a matter of seven months hit hardest the towns of Maitum, Kiamba, Maasim and Glan.
Illegal logging and illegal mining activities in these towns are being tolerated by Sarangani officials, Ang Kasama National Coordinator Deo P. Palma alleged. “They are not concerned with whatever danger lies ahead that may be caused [by these activities.”
The Mines and Geo-Science Bureau or Bureau of Mines reported that the four towns in Sarangani province are prone to heavy flash floods and landslides yet illegal mining and illegal logging activities still continue up to this time.