Illegal river quarrying continues despite ban

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office has confirmed the ongoing illegal quarry operations in Sapangdaku, Toledo City despite the moratorium imposed by the local government unit.

“Mao gyud na ang among problema kay ang Toledo man gud is very first class ang aggregates diha maong maningkamot gyud na ang mga operators nga maka-quarry anha nga area,” said PENRO chief, lawyer Czareem Joseph “Chad” Estella.

Estella said the killing of Cambang-ug barangay captain Timoteo Largo on January 6, 2015 was in relation to the illegal quarry operations in the city.

The suspect, Dionesio Juarez, was an environmental officer but Estella said he was involved in illegal quarry operations based on account of Largo.

Following the report, Estella said they began strengthening their campaign against the illegal activity.

“We have established another checkpoint area in barangay Poog, Toledo City to crosscheck the inspected delivery receipts from Balamban and Canlumampao, Toledo City. Night shift inspection patrol will now be deployed to check and inspect nighttime operations,” he said.

The City Council of Toledo last year passed a resolution for the immediate stoppage of all sand and gravel quarrying operations in the entire Sapangdaku River for the next five years, saying the activity has greatly damaged the river.

Estella said since Governor Hilario Davide III assumed his post in July 2013, they have not issued any quarry permit to operators in Toledo City.

There are two existing quarry operations near Sapangdaku River but are being done in private lots, he said.

Last Monday, the Provincial Board also passed a resolution authored by third district Board Member Alex Binghay prohibiting the use of backhoe in river quarrying in Cebu.

Binghay cited Sapangdaku River where deep excavation on river beds was formed with the use of backhoe, causing some sections of the riverbank to be deep and shallow in some parts, resulting to uneven elevations.

Effective February 1, Estella said they will implement the prohibition.

“Mo-check mi, mo-visit mi sa operations, if may backhoe amo dakpon,” he added. — Gregg M. Rubio/NSA (FREEMAN)