ILOILO – In a coordinated crackdown against illegal quarrying operations, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) seized four dump trucks in simultaneous operations across two municipalities on November 8, 2025 — exposing widespread use of fake and misdeclared documents among haulers of quarry materials.
Police operatives from New Lucena and Santa Barbara towns launched back-to-back inspections that revealed trucks carrying aggregates without valid delivery receipts and with tampered documentation, a violation of Provincial Ordinance No. 2017-145.
In Barangay Dawis, New Lucena, the team led by Police Lieutenant Garry Tayongtong intercepted three trucks found operating without legal quarrying permits.
“During the evaluation, it was discovered that none of the vehicles possessed valid delivery receipts, a crucial requirement for legal quarrying operations,” a police report stated.
Officers also uncovered falsified and misdeclared entries, confirming the trucks’ participation in illegal hauling activities.
Two hours later, a parallel operation by Police Captain Raphy Señeres and the Santa Barbara Municipal Police in Barangay Daga uncovered another dump truck engaged in the same scheme. This vehicle was also found with a misdeclared entry, matching the pattern of violations seen earlier that day.
All four dump trucks were impounded at their respective police stations for further investigation and possible filing of charges.
IPPO director Police Colonel Bayani Razalan reaffirmed the police force’s commitment to curb environmental offenses, stressing that the illegal extraction and transport of quarry materials “not only harm the environment but also undermine the economic stability of legitimate businesses engaged in lawful practices.”
Razalan said the series of operations underscore the province’s intensified campaign to protect its natural resources, with law enforcement agencies and local communities working closely to identify violators.
“Public awareness and cooperation are key in addressing environmental concerns,” he emphasized.
Authorities vowed to maintain heightened vigilance and conduct more surprise inspections to ensure compliance and preserve Iloilo’s natural heritage./PN
