Oriental Mindoro Governor Humerlito “Bonz” Dolor has temporarily suspended all dredging operations in the province following recommendations from regional environmental agencies to reassess the projects’ impact on waterways.

In a Facebook post Tuesday, Dolor denied circulating rumors about scheduled dredging activities, saying that no operations would commence on September 15, 2025 as claimed in what he called “fake news” spreading on social media.

“Hayag na pinapabulaanan po ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ang mga kumakalat na fake news na nagkakaroon ngayon o magkakaroon sa September 15, 2025 ng operasyon ng Dredging,” Dolor said.

The governor cited his commitment to consultation, saying: “Personal akong lumihan sa mga proponent sa mga bayan ng Gloria at Baco upang muli itong magpausapan at mapag-aralan ng LAHAT. DAYALOGO, HINDI GULO.”

The suspension stems from official correspondence the governor received from environmental agencies.

On August 7, DENR Regional Executive Director Felix S. Mirasol Jr., MGB Regional Director Felizardo A. Gacad Jr., and EMB Regional Director Joe Amil M. Salino recommended an updated evaluation of navigational waterways for the Balete and Sumagui rivers.

In his August 8 letter to Southern Concrete Industries Inc., Dolor explained that the recommendation came due to “possible changes in the impact areas’ hydrological and environmental conditions over time.” He noted that the Inter-Agency Committee for River Restoration through Large Scale Dredging in Oriental Mindoro had recommended temporarily suspending clearing operations for both rivers’ respective waterways.

The governor clarified that while the Notice to Proceed and Operating Permit for River Restoration through Large Scale Dredging of Balete River in Gloria was suspended, the company could still comply with conditions under its Environmental Clearance Certificate and other permits, including coordination with DENR, MGB, and EMB for waterway evaluation.

A similar letter dated August 22 was sent to Bird’s Nest Resources Corporation regarding the Alag and Longos rivers.

Dolor acknowledged the company’s involvement in implementing DENR Administrative Orders related to river restoration, noting their “true objective of restoring rivers to its original carrying capacity through large scale dredging.”

However, he pointed out that while the Alag and Longos rivers weren’t mentioned in the August 7 communication, they were “equally situated with Balete River and Sumagui River, due to lapse of more than two (2) years since their initial evaluation.”

The dredging issue has become contentious in Oriental Mindoro, where environmental groups and LGU officials have voiced out about potential ecological damage to the province’s river systems.

Dolor stressed that limited testing had occurred, saying: “Matapos ang 4 na test dredging sa bayan ng Gloria noong kalaghatian ng taon, WALA PONG IBANG NANGYARENG DREDGING SA LALAWIGAN.”

The governor said he would not base decisions on unreliable sources, adding: “Hindi kailan man magiging matibay na basehan ang mga post ng mga AI at kung sino-sinong fake account.”

Both Southern Concrete Industries Inc. and Bird’s Nest Resources Corporation must continue complying with existing environmental clearance certificates while the reassessment is ongoing.

The companies are also required to coordinate with DENR, MGB, and EMB for the evaluation of their respective waterways.