Ten trees at the Oslob town plaza have been completely removed to make way for a proposed sports and cultural complex.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Central Visayas said the Municipality of Oslob had received a special permit covering the removal of 10 identified trees. However, the tree-cutting reportedly proceeded without the required prior coordination and notification to the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office in Argao.
Environmental officials announced that a cease-and-desist order would be issued to stop further tree-cutting and related activity until the permit conditions and other environmental requirements were satisfied. By that time, however, residents reported that all 10 trees had already been cut.
The plaza is also the planned location of a sports and cultural complex opposed by some residents and heritage advocates because of concerns about its effects on the town’s historic surroundings.
Photo: cebu.bomboradyo.com
Source: Claudine Flores, Too late: DENR to stop Oslob tree cutting after all 10 trees are already gone, SunStar Cebu, July 19, 2026.