Quarry ops suspended in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Newly installed Albay Gov. Noel Rosal ordered yesterday the suspension of quarrying activities in the province amid reports that more than half of the operations around Mayon Volcano are illegal.

In an executive order, Rosal said extraction, processing, collection and transport of gravel and sand and other similar mineral resources are prohibited.

The EO cited section 138, paragraph 2 of the Local Government Code, which states that permits to extract sand, gravel and other quarry resources shall be issued exclusively by the provincial governor pursuant to the ordinance of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Rosal said quarry operators should first secure the necessary requirements, including environmental compliance certificates and clearance from the Department of Public Works and Highways.

He said many quarry operators were found to have exceeded the 50,000-cubic-meter maximum allowable haul for every quarry permit aside from operating without clearance.

“If they could immediately comply with the requirements, they can resume their quarry activities,” Rosal said.

He said small sand and gravel collectors would be exempted from paying quarry fees, adding that those who would quarry for their personal use, such as in building their own house, would be charged only half of the fees.