Cebu hillside luxury project under probe after residents link it to severe flooding during Tino

• Social media uproar arose after residents blamed a hilltop luxury project in Cebu City for unusually intense flooding
• The Rise at Monterrazas, a Banaue Rice Terraces–style development, allegedly worsened runoff after massive tree loss
• DENR found only 11 trees left out of 745 recorded in 2022, despite the project holding a tree-cutting permit
• Both DENR and Cebu City LGU vowed sanctions or even closure if violations are confirmed

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the local government of Cebu City have launched a thorough investigation into The Rise at Monterrazas, a high-end residential project built on the hillside in Barangay Guadalupe.

Some residents have linked the development to the sudden and severe flooding during Typhoon Tino, which reportedly almost reached the rooftops of houses—a phenomenon locals say has never happened in the area before.

According to Dano Tingcungco of Unang Balita, the project began in 2024 and is notable for its Rice Terraces–like design, where the hillside was sculpted to accommodate luxury villas within a three-hectare property. Residents, however, point to massive tree-cutting and the loss of forest cover as possible reasons why rainwater now flows directly down to residential areas.

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DENR Region 7 revealed that a 2022 tree inventory recorded 745 trees in the area. In a follow-up interview last Friday, officials said only 11 of those 745 trees remain. “The proponent has a cutting permit,” explained Dr. Eddie Llamedo, but he emphasized that a significant portion of the forest cover was lost over the past three years.

The DENR has already formed a team to review the project’s compliance. If violations of the Environmental Compliance Certificate or other regulations are confirmed, they are prepared to impose suspensions, penalties, or other sanctions.

At the same time, the Cebu City local government continues its own investigation. “If they say it should be closed, then we will do that… for the welfare of the city and the people living below,” said Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival.

Meanwhile, the developer has yet to provide a statement. According to a security guard at the Monterrazas de Cebu office, no one is available to speak with the press team.

News, photos, or videos that arouse the interest of netizens would often go viral on social media, due to the attention netizens give them. These viral posts appeal to the emotions of netizens, and in rare cases, this could also happen to ordinary people, making them very relatable.

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In a previous report by KAMI, a family of three was mercilessly shot and killed inside their store in Barangay Mallorca, San Leonardo, Nueva Ecija. Caught by CCTV, three men entered their store, closed the roll-up door, and shot the entire family to death. Before fleeing, one of the suspects even grabbed a bag and a mobile phone from the victim. In a report by Gary De Leon of TV 5's 'Frontline Pilipinas,' the family started getting threats after lending P1-M to one of the residents of their barangay; allegedly using the money for business.

In another viral local report, a 51-year-old public school teacher in Las Piñas City was stabbed multiple times by her own husband. According to the report of EJ Gomez in 'Unang Balita,' the 38-year-old suspect committed the crime inside the school's faculty room. Police authorities said the school has a security guard, but, being a familiar face in the school, the suspect managed to easily get in and out of the school. The suspect said he was there to talk to his wife and settle their misunderstanding, but unfortunately, it led to a big argument.

Source: KAMI.com.gh