ILOILO City – The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) said an investigation by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) found no police personnel directly involved in illegal quarrying operations in Iloilo Province, although authorities are now looking into whether some officers allowed their names to be used to facilitate the illicit activities.
The findings come amid intensified government efforts to crack down on illegal quarrying in the province, following allegations that some law enforcers were protecting or cooperating with operators engaged in the unauthorized extraction of quarry materials.
PRO-6 regional director Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the MGB investigation found no evidence directly linking police officers to the illegal quarry trade.
“What usually happens is that the names of police personnel are being dropped or used by truck drivers and other individuals apprehended during enforcement operations,” Tuaño said.
Despite the MGB findings, Tuaño stressed that the regional police command is not closing the door on accountability.
He said PRO-6 is investigating whether police personnel knowingly allowed their names to be used or tolerated such practices, which could expose them to criminal and administrative liability.
“If it is established that a police officer knowingly allowed his name to be used or tolerated such acts, that may constitute a violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, aside from possible administrative offenses,” he said.
Tuaño warned that police officers proven to have consented to or benefited from the unauthorized use of their names could face both criminal and administrative charges.
The police director also addressed allegations involving personnel of the Miag-ao, Iloilo police station after allegations that a police patrol vehicle was present during alleged illegal quarrying activities on June 11 and 12.
Tuaño emphasized that the allegation remains under validation and that the mere presence of police personnel at a quarry site does not automatically prove involvement in illegal operations.
“We will not make conclusions based solely on accusations. We have to determine the circumstances surrounding the presence of our personnel and whether they were performing legitimate police functions or if there was any irregularity,” he said.
He assured the public that PRO-6 will continue coordinating with the MGB and other government agencies to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.
“If evidence later shows that any police personnel violated the law or police regulations, we will not hesitate to file the appropriate administrative and criminal charges. We will follow the evidence wherever it leads,” Tuaño said./PN
