ILOILO City — The Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) has begun validating reports linking police personnel to alleged illegal quarrying operations in Iloilo Province, with regional police officials warning that administrative dismissal and criminal prosecution await any officer found involved in the illicit trade.
The development marks the first public confirmation by PRO-6 that information implicating members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) has reached its command group, amid a broader government crackdown on illegal quarrying activities in the province. Authorities are now strengthening evidence and conducting a fact-based investigation that could lead to the filing of cases within the next few weeks.
During a press conference, PRO-6 director Police Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said the regional police command is taking the allegations seriously and is working to establish the facts surrounding the reported involvement of police personnel.
“PRO-6 condemns any form of illegal activity involving any of our personnel, including illegal quarrying,” Tuaño said. “Our position is to strengthen the evidence related to reports and cases we have received that indicate possible police involvement.”
Although no comprehensive report has yet been formally submitted to his office, Tuaño confirmed that the command group has already received initial information regarding the allegations.
“If the evidence against the concerned PNP personnel is strong, we will pursue the cases against them,” he said.
Tuaño emphasized that PRO-6 is strictly implementing the zero-tolerance policy of the PNP against police officers engaged in illegal activities.
“If you commit a violation, we will file administrative charges against you that could lead to your dismissal from the service, and we will also file criminal charges so that you can be imprisoned if warranted,” he said.
In a separate statement, PRO-6 said concerned units have been directed to conduct a comprehensive, impartial and evidence-based investigation while coordinating with relevant government agencies to verify the allegations and identify those responsible.
“Any personnel found involved, directly or indirectly, shall face appropriate administrative and criminal charges in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” the statement read.
The regional police office reiterated its commitment to integrity, accountability, environmental protection and the rule of law, adding that internal cleansing efforts will continue as part of its campaign to uphold professionalism within the organization./PN
