Reyes orders VMC to
cease operations
Bugay says firm addressing pollution issues
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Environment Secretary Angelo Reyes yesterday ordered Victorias Milling Co. to cease and desist from operating until it addresses its air and water pollution violations.

VMC was also directed to shoulder the cost of the rehabilitation of the Malihao River in Victorias City, such as dredging, flushing of the accumulated wastes and aeration of the river system. VMC president Abelardo Bugay yesterday said the sugar mill in Victorias City was in the process of addressing the problems to ensure that the mill will be ready for the milling season expected to start in the first week of September.

The order of Reyes was served by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Livino Duran on VMC yesterday.

A Regional Trial Court judge yesterday issued a Temporary Restraining Order directing landowner Joaquin Bilbao Jr. to stop collecting toll fees from vehicles passing through a portion of the Hinobaan highway in southern Negros Occidental.

Kabankalan RTC Judge Henry Arles set the hearing for the issuance of a writ of preliminary mandatory injunction prayed for by the Department of Public Works and Highways, represented by Regional Director Rolando Asis, at 2 p.m. Monday.

On Friday last week, Bilbao started charging toll fees for vehicles passing through what he said was property owned by his family that the DPWH had yet to pay for.