Capitol creates mineral task force

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Provincial Government has created an inter-agency task force aimed at strengthening the monitoring and regulation of quarry, sand, gravel, and other mineral resources, amid continued concerns over compliance and proper documentation of mineral movements.

This development came after Governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 23, Series of 2026, establishing the “Cebu Provincial Minerals Task Force” to enforce existing provincial ordinances governing mineral extraction and transport.

The order mandates stricter coordination among government agencies to oversee the extraction, processing, transport, and disposition of minerals within Cebu province, as well as those entering from external sources.

The task force will be headed by the Governor or her authorized representative, with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) serving as deputy, alongside members from key agencies, including the police, coast guard, port authorities, and representatives from port and vessel operators.

Under the order, the task force is authorized to install checkpoints, conduct inspections, and mobilize personnel to ensure compliance with environmental laws and provincial revenue ordinances.

It is also empowered to apprehend violators, confiscate illegally sourced or undocumented mineral products, and ensure that seized materials are properly turned over to designated government facilities.

Confiscated items may only be released upon issuance of a signed order from the Governor, underscoring tighter control over enforcement actions.

Moreover, stricter rules will be implemented at ports of entry, where all incoming mineral shipments must undergo validation of documents before unloading.

These include transport slips, ore transport permits, official receipts for regulatory fees, and proof of accreditation issued by the provincial government.

Port authorities and local government units are directed to deny the unloading of materials without proper documentation and to impound vessels found in violation of the rules.

The Philippine Coast Guard is also tasked with reporting incoming shipments in advance and verifying that declared volumes match the actual cargo, with discrepancies subject to apprehension and confiscation.

Meanwhile, vessel operators are required to notify PENRO at least five working days prior to arrival and submit advance documentation, or risk denial of entry and penalties.

PENRO will take the lead in validating documents, issuing transport slips, and coordinating enforcement operations with partner agencies.

According to PENRO head Rodel Bontuyan, the executive order is primarily intended to strengthen coordination among agencies rather than address a specific regulatory gap.

“Kung tan-awon nato ang kining EO nga nigawas, it will strengthen coordination between the agencies' members sa task force,” Bontuyan said.

He noted that many mineral resources entering Cebu originate from outside the province.

He added that the involvement of multiple agencies is crucial to better regulate the movement of minerals and ensure compliance with existing laws.

Bontuyan clarified that the order does not necessarily respond to a gap in policy but is meant to ensure the proper implementation of existing ordinances.

The task force will mainly cover operators under the jurisdiction of the provincial government, which currently number fewer than 20.

He noted that while large-scale operations have their own monitoring mechanisms, the executive order focuses on regulating the movement of mineral products.

Bontuyan also disclosed that previous assessments revealed discrepancies in reported extraction volumes among some operators.

“Naa’y mga operators nga naay mga nalapas—naa’y volume nga naa’y diperensya sa ilahang total nga nabayaran diri sa capitol unsay volume nga na-extract,” he said.

As a result, some operators were penalized, while others faced suspension of operations.

“Pag suspend, stop jud,” he added, clarifying that no permits were permanently revoked, as some had already reached expiration.

He said operators were required to undergo compliance checks before renewing their permits, with penalties imposed for violations.

Bontuyan emphasized that the creation of the task force will further strengthen enforcement efforts through a unified, inter-agency approach. — Sandara Laurente, CTU-Tuburan Intern /IHM (FREEMAN)