Depart of Environment and Natural Resources Mines and Geosciences Bureau regional director Roger de Dios has advised the Cebu City government to immediately issue a cease and desist order against an illegal mining operation or extraction of earth materials in barangay Binaliw.
Based on the records of the City Planning and Development Office, the illegal mining operation reportedly conducted by a certain Geronimo Sta. Ana and his companions does not have a permit from the city government and from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
A team of personnel from the MGB and City Planning and Development Office had conducted an ocular inspection of the said illegal mining operation after a certain Jorgia Solon complained of illegal activities reportedly carried out in a private lot owned by the heirs of Primitivo Solon.
While the inspecting team confirmed that the illegal quarry operation was conducted in a private lot, they could not confirm Solon’s claim that the area is part of a private lot owned by her family.
Also, no boundary monument is found in the area.
In a letter, copy furnished to the Cebu City government, De Dios advised the heirs of the property to check on their lot boundaries and safeguard their property from any trespassers. And if necessary, file the appropriate charges.
MGB officials earlier advised barangay officials to actively join the government in its campaign against the illegal quarrying of earth materials in their respective territorial jurisdictions. — Rene U. Borromeo/MEEV