Baricuatro meets protesters, orders probe into quarrying

Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro stepped out of her office yesterday to meet with protesters outside the Capitol, personally listening to their grievances and assuring them of government action instantly turning the peaceful protest into a friendly selfie session with the governor.

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The peaceful demonstration was organized by the Sapangdaku River Community Stakeholders Association, Inc. (SARICOSA) OF Toledo City along with the Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ). Agrarian reform beneficiaries from Lamintak Norte, Medellin, under the Lamintak Norte Farmer-Beneficiaries Association (LANFABA) also joined the protest action.

The protesters submitted a petition detailing longstanding issues on land distribution, quarrying operations, and declining fish catch that continue to threaten the livelihood of many rural families.

In their petition, SARICOSA members appealed to the provincial government to intervene in delayed agrarian reform cases, curb rampant quarrying along the Hinulawan/Sapangdaku River, and address environmental degradation affecting local communities in Toledo City.

Speaking to reporters, Baricuatro said she was deeply moved by the situation of the residents.

“Ang ilaha jung problema is about the quarrying didto unya lawm na kaayo ang river, unya naay nangalumos, unya wala silay bridge, unya ilang livelihood affected na,” she said.