By Mai Gevera

Davao City (27 October) -- Unified priests of Davao Oriental led by Bishop Patricio Alo are seeking the intervention of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on the massive logging activities in the said province as substantiated by the Aliwagwag Tragedy that killed nine and wounded three persons.

The said priests, signed a manifesto confirming the never-ending recurrence and intensification of logging operations both legal and illegal most especially in the town of Cateel and its nearby municipalities.

In a letter sent to the President, the priests claimed that illegal logging in the area has bred anarchy, alienation, and a ruined ecosystem due to indiscriminate, exploitative, and irresponsible utilization of natural resources.

The church group is also joined by the lay faithful of the different parishes, students, teachers, non-government organizations, and concerned citizens of the municipality.

“I have visited almost all the “sitios” in my parish and I have really seen how the environment has been greatly affected by massive logging.”, said Fr. Darwey Clark, Cateel Parish Priest.

The church, having seen the recent catastrophes brought by environmental degradation, has recommend for a total log ban in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley Province.

As stated in the letter, environmental destruction covers the barangays of Taytayan, San Alfonso, Aragon, Maglahus, Malibago, Aliwagwag and nearby areas.