Pepsi deep well pumps in Muntinlupa shut down due to environmental issues

From abs-cbn.com:

MANILA – (UPDATED) Authorities shut down 6 deep well pumps of softdrinks maker Pepsi Cola Products Philippines due to alleged ill effects to the environment.

Police and soldiers enforced a 5-year-old Supreme Court order that effectively shuttered the pumps, which allegedly caused the earth to sink. An appeal from Pepsi prevented the enforcement of the ruling.

Pepsi said responsible water use was a “key priority” and that it was “working towards a solution to this issue.”

Authorities shut down the pumps’ computer box and cut the pipes that connect to the deep well, which serves as the plants’ water source.

In a statement, PCPPI said it has been doing business with due observance of environmental laws.

“Today, PCPPI regrets the action taken by the National Water Resources Board (NWRB) in sealing off the deep wells at its Muntinlupa plant,” the statement read.

PCPPI said it is part of the long-running matter of litigation between the company and NWRB.

If unresolved, PCPPI said this will affect the livelihood of thousands of their employees.

“We want to assure our stakeholders that we are doing our best to resolve this issue quickly,” PCPPI said. — report from Jeck Batallones, ABS-CBN News