CEMEX Holdings Philippines, Inc. (CHP) is facing an environmental class suit in relation to an affiliated firm’s quarry operations in Naga, Cebu, following a landslide that left at least 78 people dead last Sept. 20.
In a disclosure to the stock exchange on Monday, the listed cement manufacturer said it has received a summons order for the class suit, alongside APO Cement Corp. The defendants also include APO Land & Quarry Corporation (ALQC), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Regional Office VII, City Government of Naga and Province of Cebu.
CHP’s subsidiary, APO Cement, sources its materials from ALQC, which in turn had been conducting quarrying activities in Naga City. Operations have since been suspended due to the landslide.
“The class suit seeks the restitution of damage of natural and human environment, application for the issuance of an Environment Protection Order against quarry operations in Cebu Island with the prayer for Temporary Protection Order, Writ of Continuing Mandamus for the determination of the carrying capacity of Cebu Island and rehabilitation and restoration of the damaged ecosystems,” CHP said.
Petitioners sought P4.33 billion in damages for the incident.
CHP said it has yet to assess the impact of the class suit on its operations. — Arra B. Francia
