The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) cancelled activities of the International Coastal Cleanup Day following the President’s move to put the country under a “state of lawlessness.”

According to Nestor Canda of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, the activity was scrapped due to security concerns.

He said that the National Coastal Cleanup Philippines and Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary sent letters to DENR offices notifying authorities of the cancellation.

Canda said that the letter cited safety issues regarding the event which would have drawn thousands of volunteers nationwide including Bohol.

The big event would have also been a possible target of attacks due to the number of people projected to attend the event prompting organizers to cancel the cleanup drive.

Canda expressed dismay over the cancellation as much preparations from various sectors have been put in for the coastal cleanup drive.

However, the PENRO officer said that he is still in favor of higher authorities’ decision as safety should be the priority in such events.

The International Coastal Cleanup Day is an annual activity to rid shorelines of garbage and raise awareness on protecting the environment.

The annual event has been able to yield thousands of kilos of trash in coasts across the country. (Allen Doydora)