Cagayan, Philippines – Illegal logging was ruled out as the cause of the huge landslide at a portion of Sierra Madre. This is according to the assessment done by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 2.
The investigating team found no kaingin activity in the area either.
Earlier this month, an image of an eroded portion of the longest mountain range in the country was posted by a netizen from San Agustin, Isabela on social media that prompted the DENR to investigate the situation.
It was later found that the landslide happened in Quirino and was largely due to a natural phenomenon since there is a crater at the top of the mountain, according to DENR Region 2 Director Gwendolyn Bambalan as reported by the Cagayan Public Information Office.
The regional director further said that the team only discovered water flowing on top of the mountain. This, she said, is currently being investigated by the DENR Region 2.
Meantime, an aerial inspection will be done by the Philippine Air Force together with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to assess damages in the Sierra Madre.
Sierra Madre plays a significant role specifically in the Northern Luzon, as it serves as a barrier against typhoon and storm surges. The longest mountain range is dubbed as the backbone of Luzon.
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