Negros police seize PHP 16M in illegal quarry crackdown

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Seven people were arrested and PHP 16.025 million worth of equipment and materials allegedly used in illegal quarrying operations were seized during a joint law enforcement operation in Hacienda Bag-o, Barangay Crossing Magallon, Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental, on Tuesday.

The Police Regional Office-Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) identified the suspects by the aliases “Rom,” 44, of Binalbagan, a backhoe operator; “Rit,” 30, and a 45-year-old dump truck driver, both of Hinigaran; “Jer,” 28, of Moises Padilla, a quarry checker; “Gem,” 37, and “Hen,” 40, both dump truck drivers; and “Ron,” 42, a helper, all of La Castellana.

Operatives of the Regional Special Operations Group-Negros Island Region, in coordination with the Moises Padilla Municipal Police Station and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-Negros Island Region, allegedly found the individuals extracting, collecting, loading, and transporting sand, gravel, rocks, and other quarry resources along the Binalbagan River.

Authorities identified themselves and informed the individuals of the purpose of the inspection and verification.

Police said the individuals failed to present valid documents or permits authorizing the activities, prompting authorities to arrest them for alleged violations of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

The law regulates the exploration, development, utilization, and conservation of mineral resources in the Philippines and requires permits or agreements for covered mining and quarrying activities.

Authorities recovered a backhoe, four dump trucks, two record books, a ballpoint pen, and PHP 8,000 in cash during the operation.

The seized equipment and other recovered items were turned over to the local police for safekeeping, documentation, inventory, and proper disposition pending legal proceedings.

In a statement, Police Brig. Gen. Romano Cardiño, PRO-NIR director, warned that authorities would remain relentless in stopping illegal quarrying activities, enforcing the law, and holding violators accountable.

“We will not stand by while our rivers and natural resources are illegally exploited for personal gain,” Cardiño said.

He said the operation was more than an enforcement action and was intended to protect resources belonging to the public.

“Our message is clear: lawful livelihood will always be respected, but illegal exploitation of our natural resources will never be tolerated,” he stressed.

In February, authorities discovered an alleged illegal small-scale mining operation in Barangay Bacuyangan, Hinoba-an, that resulted in the arrest of nine people.

The Negros Occidental provincial government has also reiterated its commitment to the strict implementation of environmental laws and compliance with regulatory processes.