Residents of Brgy. Mayana in Jagna called on government agencies to a conduct a probe on the alleged unauthorized diggings and excavations in the barangay purportedly conducted by the village’s chief.

Sofriono Gallan, former Mayana barangay captain, said that he received a complaint from the land owner of the excavation site, notifying him of the alleged illegal digging conducted by the village’s current chief, Servando Acas.

In his complaint, Flaviano Dagangon noted that the site is being dug under Acas’ supervision, but the barangay captain has not been able to present documents indicating the operation’s legality.

Dagangon was reportedly working for Acas, but left the operation citing the dangers of a possible collapse of the excavation and the dig’s lack of authorization as reasons.

Previously, Nestor Canda, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office chief, said that treasure hunters were behind the unauthorized excavation.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau had also conducted a probe on the issue but has yet to present clear results on the inquiry.

Some of the residents vented their concern through letters sent to Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Sec. Regina Lopez in a bid to properly maintain and preserve the village’s natural environment

For his part, provincial Board Member Agapito Avenido, who chairs the committee on natural resources and environment protection, said that an investigation will be carried out to address residents’ complaints.

He noted that the said operation would immediately be shut down if it is proven to be illegal. (Allen Doydora)