CEBU, Philippines - Three dump trucks owned by the Municipal Government of Consolacion were seized by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office after these were allegedly used in the illegal quarry operations of Mayor Avelino Gungob.
Six municipal employees manning the dump trucks were also held by the National Bureau of Investigation for possible criminal charges for theft of minerals.
Consolacion job order employees Beda Comiso, Leonardo Capao, Jr., Dionito Mangilaya, Juanito Gerundio Jr., Nicarter Yray and Joebeboy Dayon were manning the dump trucks when they were seized by the Capitol.
Capitol spokesman Rory Jon Sepulveda said the provincial government yesterday requested the assistance of the NBI and the elite police Special Reaction Unit to seize the dump trucks owned by the Municipality of Consolacion after receiving reports that Gungob continue his illegal quarry operations despite the warnings and the operations they have previously conducted.
Gungob reportedly tried to prevent the Capitol team from bringing the dump trucks by blocking the road near the municipal hall using two garbage trucks. The drivers of the garbage trucks however were persuaded to clear the road to avoid being arrested for obstruction of justice.
Sepulveda said the dump trucks will be used as evidence for the administrative charges that the provincial government will be filing against Gungob before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas.
Sepulveda said they will file a case for dereliction of duty, violation of his oath of office and other charges against Gungob. They also intend to file a complaint before the Provincial Board.
“Klaro nga he wants to operate above and beyond the law,” Sepulveda said.
As to the municipal employees being held in custody by the NBI, Sepulveda said the provincial attorney’s office is still studying if they will be included in the case. –Fred P. Languido/BRP (FREEMAN NEWS)