A petition urging the Office of the President, Senate, and House of Representatives to conduct an independent investigation into the recent incident at the Tipo High-Tech Eco Park (THEP) is gaining support from residents and stakeholders.
The petition followed a video circulating online that appeared to show a retaining or slope-protection structure at THEP giving way, with a truck caught in moving soil. While the incident occurred after weeks of heavy rainfall, petitioners said its cause must be established through an independent technical investigation.
The group is also calling for a broader review of major developments within and around the Subic Bay Freeport, particularly projects near waterways, slopes, forests, mangroves, and other environmentally sensitive areas.
Save Subic Bay Coalition spokesperson Jen Velarmino-van der Heijde said the review should examine compliance with environmental, structural, land-use, and public-safety requirements, as well as the cumulative effects of development on drainage, flooding, slope stability, infrastructure, and nearby communities.
“This is not about blaming or singling out any developer, but about transparency, accountability and public safety,” Velarmino-van der Heijde said.
The petitioners are also seeking independent engineering and hydrological assessments to determine whether existing drainage, detention, and water-impounding systems remain adequate as development expands and extreme rainfall events intensify.
Another major concern is the protection of the Freeport’s remaining mangroves, with the group calling for an end to encroachment, clearing, reclamation, or development in existing mangrove areas.
The petition also raises concerns over the proposed Subic-Clark Railway Project, whose planned alignment has been identified as potentially affecting more than six hectares of mangrove areas. Petitioners are urging authorities to study technically feasible alternatives that could avoid the remaining mangrove forests.
“Mangroves are not vacant land. They are natural coastal infrastructure that help protect communities from erosion, flooding and storm surges,” Velarmino-van der Heijde said.
El Latinazo, organizer of People Against Corruption Olongapo, said the petition is not intended to oppose investment or responsible development but to strengthen governance and preventive measures.
“Prevention is not anti-development. It is responsible governance,” Latinazo said.
The petition seeks accountability, subject to due process, for any private or government entities found responsible for violations or failures in oversight, while urging stronger safeguards to protect communities and Subic Bay’s remaining natural ecosystems.
