Residents of Barangay Talabaan, Mamburao, Occidental Mindoro gathered on March 23 for a prayer rally against the dredging operation of P.E.R.R.C Construction and Development Corporation. They called for the immediate cessation of sand extraction, which they say is deceptive and destructive. The rally was held on the barangay’s shore opposite the company’s dredging vessel.

According to the Mindoro Forum Network (MFN), the company started dredging under the guise of “restoring” the Pagbahan River. However, it started digging away from the designated dredging area at the river’s estuary. Instead, it openly dredges the seas fronting the barangay. This impeded fisherfolk from setting out to sea. They no longer catch anything due to the noise and disruption caused by the vessel’s nearly 18 hours of operation.

P.E.R.R.C Construction and Development Corporation is involved in several government projects, particularly in the construction of ports. In 2022, it was given an Environmental Compliance Certificate by the DENR for the Pagbahan River Dredging Project in Mamburao. This covers 20 hectares at the river’s estuary.

On February 25, the Municipal Government of Mamburao issued a Cease and Desist Order against P.E.R.R.C. Construction And Development Corporation after receiving complaints from residents of Barangay Talabaan.

According to the local government, the company’s operation is legal but the dredging’s intense noise drew opposition from many residents. The intolerable noise pollution has severely disrupted their daily activities and livelihoods. The mayor also temporarily canceled the company’s business permit pending an investigation and compliance review.

Mindoreños call for the permanent cessation of the company’s dredging and the preservation of the sea, especially its coral reefs. They also call on the government to defend the fisherfolk and their livelihoods.

“This dredging operation will bring nothing but environmental destruction and loss of their livelihoods,” according to the group. MFN is composed of various sectors and groups in Mindoro.