ILOILO – The illegal quarry controversy in Iloilo province has now spilled into the political arena after allegations surfaced linking politicians, businessmen, men in uniform, and private individuals to unlawful quarry operations, prompting the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) – Iloilo Chapter to warn local officials that “nobody is above the law.”
LMP-Iloilo president and Badiangan mayor Suzette Mamon stressed that local chief executives must strictly comply with environmental laws and avoid any involvement in illegal quarry activities amid growing scrutiny over the controversy.
“Indi kami labaw sa laye. Kon ano ang laye nga ginapatuman, amo lang na ya sundon sang aton local chief executives,” Mamon told Panay News when asked to react to reports by the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) alleging the involvement of politicians, businessmen, men in uniform, and private individuals in illegal quarrying activities in Iloilo province.
Mamon emphasized that local officials carry the responsibility of protecting both their communities and the environment.
“So, if there are politicians, or elected or appointed local officials, or any private citizen man nga involve sa illegal quarrying or any other illegal violations, we let the law deal with them,” she said.
The controversy further intensified following reports that Calinog mayor Francisco “Iko” Calvo posted bail after a warrant for his arrest was issued in connection with a case alleging violation of Section 103 in relation to Section 49 of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Court records showed that Judge Ronaldo Melliza Jr. of the 10th Municipal Circuit Trial Court of Calinog-Bingawan ordered Calvo’s release after he posted a P36,000 cash bond.
According to the court order dated Feb. 16, 2026, “After issuance of a warrant for his arrest, accused Francisco L. Calvo voluntarily surrendered himself to Chief of Police/Police Major Myles Dieron of Calinog Municipal Police Station at around 8:00 a.m. of February 13, 2026 and returned to this court for its disposition.”
The order further stated that Calvo “having posted the required amount of cash bond of P36,000… the bail bond… is hereby approved.”
The arraignment and pre-trial were scheduled on April 17, 2026.
As of press time, Calvo had yet to issue a statement confirming or denying the allegations.
Mamon said regulatory agencies are mandated to investigate and evaluate possible violations involving public officials and stressed that those found liable must face legal consequences.
“Let the law and wheels of justice proceed against them kay entitled man ina sila sang due process. Sabton lang nila ang ila salabton sa korte or to any other authorities for that matter,” she said.
The LMP-Iloilo chief underscored that public office is a public trust and warned fellow local officials against compromising the integrity of their positions.
“At the end of the day, we are the first and the last person to carry our municipality so dapat i-secure man naton ang aton nga banwa,” she added.
Mamon also clarified that she is not engaged in quarrying activities, noting that Badiangan has no rivers or tributaries suitable for quarry operations.
She said quarry materials used for government projects in the municipality are sourced only from areas with proper permits issued by the PGENRO and the Iloilo provincial government.
“We abide by the standards of governance nga indi ma-compromise ang integrity sang position nga aton gina-occupy. And we always remind LCEs of our accountability sa mga proyekto nga gina-implement naton. We should just comply with the law, we comply with the regulation,” Mamon added./PN