ILOILO — Illegal quarrying operations persist in Iloilo province despite intensified enforcement, with authorities now pointing to the alleged involvement of politicians, businessmen, and even individuals linked to uniformed services.
Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. admitted that while illegal quarry operations are no longer widespread, the activity has not been fully eradicated.
“Very active ang aton task force on overload(ed trucks transporting quarried materials). Ang aton team may collaboration sa PNP (Philippine National Police) with the help of (Iloilo Police Provincial Office) director Bayani Razalan,” Buyco said when asked Monday, May 3, about the current situation.
Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has ordered PGENRO to clamp down on illegal quarrying.
Buyco identified the towns of Dueñas, Calinog, and Lambunao as key areas where illegal quarrying continues. But a joint operation by PGENRO, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau on April 29 yielded no arrests. The suspects allegedly fled ahead of the raid, raising concerns that they may have been alerted by moles.
According to Buyco, intelligence reports indicate powerful individuals are behind illegal quarry operations.
“May involved nga politicians, businessmen, kag dalagku nga mga negosyante, a landowner, and uniformed personnel but I can’t say kun PNP, Navy or Army,” he said without giving specific names.
Buyco stressed the need for collective action to dismantle these networks.
He suspected that information leak compromised PGENRO’s April 29 operation.
“Pag-abot naton nagapanghimus or nagapagwa na ang truck, wala sang mga unod. Ang mga equipment nahimus na. Dasun wala na tawo sa site, wala ka na kuhaon,” Buyco said.
He added that possible tipsters positioned along roadsides may have alerted illegal quarry operators.
The targeted site reportedly spans around five hectares.
Buyco acknowledged operational challenges, including limited manpower and the reluctance of witnesses to come forward, which hampers prosecution efforts.
“Akon ginahingyu kag gina-ayu gid nga kon puede buroligan naton ini. We have the full support of the IPPO, we have an order from the governor nga tapnaon ina sia and slowly but surely we are gaining ground,” he said.
PGENRO records show that more than 50 quarry permits have been issued across Iloilo province, underscoring the need to distinguish legal operations from illegal ones./PN
