QUEZON CITY (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy A. Cimatu  in a press statement Monday, July 26  said  dolomite sand, geotubes, and geotextiles installed as geo-interventions for the Beach Nourishment Project in Manila Bay are intact as the southwest monsoon lingered in the country.

The dolomite sand has not been washed out, and the dolomite pebbles were only pushed to the perimeter of the beach area, said Cimatu. 

While the average high tide level is 1.3 meters, it rose to 1.5 to 1.6 meters last week, resulting in an accumulated huge amount of trash in the area -- mostly plastic cups, wrappers, and styropor -- from all tributaries that flow to the bay.

A huge number of bamboo poles from fish pens, fish cages, and baklads/sapras were also washed ashore.

Cimatu ordered DENR Executive Director Nilo Tamoria of Region 4A (CALABARZON) to conduct an immediate and complete inventory of all the fish pens, fish cages, baklads/sapras in Cavite, and to identify those with permits to operate.

This is consistent with the Supreme Court mandamus on Manila Bay directing all mandamus agencies to dismantle and remove all illegal structures, constructions, and other encroachments in the area.      (MCG/PIA-IDPD/DENR)