City to DENR: Investigate rampant illegal quarrying

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council has requested the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to investigate the reported rampant illegal quarry operations in some northern city barangays like Binaliw, Pulambato, San Jose and Pit-os.

Councilor Noel Wenceslao convinced his fellow city legislators that the issue should be looked into by the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB).

Wenceslao said the illegal quarrying not only affects our natural resources but also poses danger to the nearby residents. Several laws have been passed suppressing illegal quarrying but are not being enforced, he added.

Councilor Nida Cabrera said the Cebu City Mining Board already issued a cease and desist order against the illegal quarrying in the mentioned barangays.

For his part, Alvin Santillana of the City Disaster Coordinating Council confirmed the existing of the illegal quarry operation in the mountains of Cebu City.

According to him, some of these quarry operators were issued permits during the previous administration, but the permits already expired.

Binaliw Barangay Captain Wilson Bacor earlier wrote Mayor Michael Rama asking the City to help him stop the illegal quarry operations in his barangay reportedly undertaken by a certain Raul Diano.

Bacor is afraid that the quarry operations in his barangay will cause landslide and would destroy nearby houses.

Cabrera also sponsored a related resolution urging the officials of different barangays in the city to identify the areas which are susceptible to flooding and landslides and to prepare for possible hazards brought about by heavy rains. — (FREEMAN)