Consolacion quarry permits suspended

CEBU, Philippines - Permits issued for quarrying and or disposal of limestone covering some areas of Consolacion town have been ordered indefinitely suspended by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia following reports of illegal quarrying operations.

Records show that small scale quarrying permits were issued to one Edwin Cañeda that was set to expire last June 11, 2008; another was issued to Allan Franco Taneo that is set to expire on August 31, 2010 and to Prima Fortuna set to expire on July 22, 2010.

Special disposal permits were also issued to Site Traders and Developers, Inc. set to expire on January 25, 2010; another was issued to Maria Lorena Yungco set to expire on February 28, 2010 and to Reynaldo Sanchez to expire on March 13, 2010.

The province also clarified that the six permits were not suspended because the holders were suspected of engaging in illegal quarrying, but rather to aid in the speedy investigation of illegal activities by other parties.

In her Executive Order No. 1, series of 2010 dated January 5, 2010, Governor Garcia said she received numerous reports and complaints of rampant, unabated, indiscriminate, illegal quarry and hauling of limestone in Consolacion town to the great damage and prejudice of the environment.

According to Garcia, the indefinite suspension is important for the creation of the review committee composed of the chairman of the Provincial Board, Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, chairman of the PB Committee on Laws, Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer, Cebu Provincial Consultant and Revenue Generations and the Cebu Provincial Legal Officer.

The Review Committee was tasked by Garcia to investigate the said complaints and to recommend appropriate measures.

The provincial government and the municipal government of Consolacion recently had a conflict over alleged illegal quarrying operations in the town. – Jose P. Sollano/BRP   (FREEMAN NEWS)