Occidental Mindoro Gov. Eduardo Gadiano has issued a comprehensive response to a complaint filed through the 8888 Citizens’ Complaint Hotline regarding contested dredging operations in Barangay Talabaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro.

In a three-page letter dated May 2, 2025, Gadiano addressed the issues raised by Zenaida Case Esparas, who submitted her complaint with Malacañan on April 26, 2025.

The complaint was processed through both the MIMAROPA Regional Office on April 30 and the DILG-MIMAROPA Region on May 2.

Gadiano specifically countered five allegations made by Esparas.

First, he clarified that the dredging operation at the mouth of the river is being conducted to create a navigational channel as part of a river restoration program.

He explained that these activities are legally authorized under DENR Administrative Order No. 2020-12, which allows for dredging vessels to operate within designated demarcation lines marked by buoys.

“The navigational channel has clear demarcation lines indicated by buoys that show boundaries where vessels may operate,” Gadiano wrote.

“No vessel is permitted to cross these demarcation lines,” he added.

Regarding documentation issues, the governor assured that all required permits and certifications are complete and accessible through proper government channels.

He noted that DENR Administrative Order No. 2020-12 established an Inter-Agency Committee comprising various government departments including DENR, DPWH, EMB, MGB, and the Provincial Government of Occidental Mindoro.

Gadiano identified PERRC Construction and Development Corporation as the qualified proponent for the river restoration of Pagbahan River, stating the company has undergone proper application processes for Dredging Clearance, Environmental Compliance Certificate, and Notice to Proceed.

“PERRC Construction and Development Corporation is legally authorized to conduct river restoration through dredging activities at Pagbahan River,” the governor said. “They have submitted all necessary documentation proving they are a qualified proponent for river restoration.”

The governor also said that neither he nor his office has direct jurisdiction over the river restoration program, citing Item 5.4 of DPWH-DENR-DILG-DOTr Joint Memorandum Circular No. 01 Series of 2019, which places such programs under DENR authority.

He noted that the Provincial Government, along with DPWH, MGB, and EMB, serves only as partners of DENR in implementing the program.

In his clarification-reply, Gadiano promised to direct the Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT) to investigate any potential violations of laws or permits.

“If any violations are found, I will order the suspension of the company’s operations through the Inter-Agency Committee of which I am a member,” he assured.

The letter was copied to multiple officials, including Felix S. Mirasol, Jr. (DENR Regional Executive Director), Felizardo A. Gacad, Jr. (MGB Regional Director), Gerald A. Pacanan (DPWH Regional Director), Joe Amil M. Salino (EMB Regional Director), Karl Caesar R. Rimando (DILG MIMAROPA Regional Director), and Juanito D. Olave, Jr. (DILG Provincial Director).