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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR probes reported earthballing of trees along Roxas Boulevard

DENR probes reported earthballing of trees along Roxas Boulevard

Published Jun 12, 2026 04:43 pm

At A Glance

  • The agency said enforcement personnel have been deployed to conduct an immediate site inspection and verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
(MB FILE PHOTO)
(MB FILE PHOTO)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said it is investigating contractors involved in the reported earthballing of trees along Roxas Boulevard to determine whether environmental rules and permit conditions were violated.
Recently, a social media video about the reported earthballing of trees along Roxas Boulevard went viral, raising concerns about the relocation process, the survival of the affected trees, and compliance with environmental regulations.
In a statement issued on Friday, June 12, the agency said the probe will focus on whether the methods used during the reported earthballing activities complied with established environmental protocols.
“The DENR is already investigating the contractors involved in the reported earthballing activities along Roxas Boulevard, with a specific focus on whether their methods violated established environmental protocols and the conditions of their permits,” the department said.
The agency said enforcement personnel have been deployed to conduct an immediate site inspection and verify the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“DENR Enforcement personnel have been deployed to conduct an immediate site inspection and verify the circumstances surrounding the incident,” it added.
The DENR warned that legal and administrative consequences could follow if violations are established.
“If the earthballing is found to be unauthorized or improperly executed, the DENR will initiate legal, administrative, and permit-related actions against responsible parties, including contractors and permit holders,” the department said.
The agency stressed that urban trees are protected resources and reminded project proponents to comply with environmental requirements before carrying out activities involving trees.
“The DENR underscores that urban trees are protected resources, and all project proponents are required to strictly follow environmental rules, secure proper clearances, and coordinate with the Department before undertaking any activity involving trees,” it said.
Per DENR, earthballing is a tree-relocation technique that involves excavating a tree with a substantial ball of soil around its roots, allowing for safe replanting with minimal disturbance to the root system.

Related Tags

DENR Roxas Boulevard earthballing tree relocation environmental protection environmental investigation urban trees environmental regulations environmental compliance tree conservation
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