BACOLOD City — More than P16 million worth of heavy equipment and quarry materials were seized and seven individuals were arrested as police intensified their crackdown on alleged illegal quarrying in Hacienda Bag-o, Barangay Crossing Magallon, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, on August 25, 2026.
The joint operation was conducted by the Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG) of the Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR), in coordination with the Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station, Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Negros Island Region (MGB-NIR).
Police said the seven suspects were caught allegedly extracting, collecting, loading and transporting sand, gravel, rocks and other quarry resources using heavy equipment.
Authorities said the suspects failed to present valid permits or documents authorizing their quarrying activities when asked during the inspection.
Seized during the operation were one Longking backhoe, four dump trucks, two record books, a ball pen and P8,000 in cash.
The total estimated value of the seized equipment and quarry materials was placed at P16.025 million.
Arrested were seven Filipino males, aged 28 to 45, including a 44-year-old backhoe driver from Binalbagan; a 30-year-old dump truck driver from Hinigaran; a 28-year-old quarry checker from Moises Padilla; a 37-year-old dump truck driver from La Castellana; a 40-year-old dump truck driver from La Castellana; a 42-year-old helper from La Castellana; and a 45-year-old dump truck driver from Hinigaran.
They were brought to the Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station for documentation and proper disposition.
The seized equipment and other items were likewise turned over to the station for safekeeping, inventory and further legal proceedings.
The suspects are facing charges for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
PRO-NIR Regional Director Brig. Gen. Romano V. Cardiño said the operation formed part of the police’s continuing efforts to protect the region’s natural resources from unauthorized exploitation.
“We will not stand by while our rivers and natural resources are illegally exploited for personal gain,” Cardiño said, adding that authorities respect lawful livelihood activities but will not tolerate the illegal exploitation of natural resources.
The operation highlights the continuing campaign of authorities against illegal quarrying activities in Negros Island, particularly those that could threaten rivers and other natural resources./PN
