Four men arrested for extracting sand and gravel

CEBU, Philippines - Four men were caught extracting sand and gravel illegally from a river in sitio Kalimang, Barangay Poblacion Boloab in the southern town of Boljoon around 10:50 am last Thursday.

The suspects, identified as Loremar Abejeno, 33, Angel Ancho, 18, Jonathan Rollon, 19, and Retchie Bakwil, 19, were arrested just as they were loading 32 sacks of sand and gravel unto an Isuzu Elf truck. Each sack would cost P10.

Elements of the Boljo-on Police went to the area after receiving information about the suspects' activities from the assistant of the town mayor. The information reportedly came from an informant.

The four men were placed behind bars but were eventually released after posting P1,000 bail each. They are facing charges for violation of Art. IV, Section 8 of Municipal Order No. 09-96, a local law that prohibits the extraction of sand and gravel.

The incident last Thursday was reportedly the second arrest involving the illegal extraction of sand and gravel in the town.

Last year, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia ordered the suspension and non-renewal of permits of 25 quarry operators at the Sapangdaku River in Toledo City in western Cebu.

Garcia's order stemmed from the request of the officials of the barangays bordering the river because the riverbank was becoming closer to the residential areas.

The Sapangdaku River that is also known as the Hinulawan River passes through Barangays Magdugo, Cambang-ug, Ilihan, Sangi and Canlumampao.

The quarry operation was suspended four years ago but the suspension was lifted on condition that operators would strictly adhere to the specified area of operation. Most of the quarry operators reportedly did not observe specifications, prompting Garcia to issue another suspension.

Capitol had also stopped sand and gravel extractions from the Sapangdaku River as the provincial government agreed to head a multipartite task force to go after illegal operators. A memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the “redefining of the boundaries of the Sapangdaku River” was also signed.

The river is supposed to only have a width of 120 meters to 250 meters.

The parties also agreed that operators with permits to extract sand and gravel for one year are required to rehabilitate the quarry area. Under the agreement, permits to operators located outside the proposed river course will be suspended.  (FREEMAN)