City starts going after illegal mining, quarrying activities

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Tomas Osmeña has ordered the deputation of barangay tanods and officials to apprehend illegal mining or quarrying activities within the city.

In an Executive Order issued recently through Cebu City Administrator Francisco Fernandez, the mayor said the deputation is pursuant to the Cebu City Mining Ordinance which authorized the deployment of people to police the transport of minerals, its products, arrest offenders and confiscate these contrabands.

The deputation will be primarily within barangay officials and tanods prior to the recruitment of other residents. A non-government organization that is duly authorized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are also allowed to be deputized.

The order said deputized members will continuously monitor the movement of illegal quarry violators and keep a record of its apprehension. Aside from that, its leader is also directed to immediately execute a sworn statement or affidavit surrounding the facts of the apprehension and file with the proper court the complaint for violation of the City Mining Ordinance against the violators. The effectivity of their deputation shall only be for one year.

It also provides that confiscated minerals, products, vehicles, tools and equipment shall be brought to the city’s impounding area for temporary custody.

Already, 24 personnel mostly from mountain barangays of San Jose, Pulangbato, Agsungot, Bacayan, Pit-os and Budlaan were given authority as deputized members. Illegal quarry violators are allegedly rampant in these areas which are all under Police Station 8. — Ferliza C. Contratista/WAB (THE FREEMAN)