Ongoing probe into illegal quarry operations and payola

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Investigations into the allegations of illegal quarry operations and payoffs to a high-ranking official remain inconclusive, pending further evidence.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, has confirmed that the units responsible for investigating these reports have not yet submitted their findings.

Governor Arthur Defensor, Jr. of Iloilo instructed Police Colonel Ronaldo Palomo, Iloilo police chief, to address the purported illegal quarries.

“It seems the roads are being damaged by these illegal quarries,” Wanky recounted from a conversation with Defensor.

Despite requesting a detailed report from Palomo, Wanky noted, “but until now, I haven’t received any report.”

Similarly, the Regional Intelligence Division has not provided a report on the suspected involvement of police officers in the illegal quarry operations.

Wanky disclosed that the probe into an official allegedly demanding a P50,000 monthly payoff from quarry operators is still active.

While these operators may not be directly involved in unlawful quarrying, they could be infringing on certain ordinances, such as transporting materials after permitted hours or overloading.

“If they pay the amount, their vehicles are let through without any stops,” Wanky explained, clarifying that no confirmation has yet been made.

He confirmed the Regional Intelligence Division has been tasked with the investigation but did not specify a deadline for Palomo or the division to submit their reports.