The removal of rock paintings in the river at Barangay Minoyan, Murcia, has officially begun. The rocks were painted by Nursery 1 Incorporated, owned by Russian national Ivan Orlov, who has a live-in partner from Bacolod.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Bacolod, caretaker Elvie Evangelio shared that the process of scrubbing the rocks started last week.
However, cleaning a single rock takes up to two hours.
Due to the slow pace, the owner decided to procure pressure water machines to speed up the process.
Efforts are currently focused on restoring the natural features of the rocks.
Meanwhile, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) of Negros Occidental has urged all investors in eco-tourism to avoid altering the natural beauty of the environment.
PENRO Head Engr. Joan Nathaniel Gerangaya stated in an interview with Bombo Radyo Bacolod that the Barangay Captain of Barangay Minoyan holds the authority to file a case against Orlov for violating RA 3042, the Anti-Vandalism Act of 2009, for painting the rocks in the river.
However, before a case can be filed, Orlov must first face the barangay officials.
Orlov is currently in China but is expected to return this week. Gerangaya advised future eco-tourism investors to preserve the natural beauty of their surroundings to attract more tourists.