‘Power players’ linked to illegal Iloilo quarrying

By Mariela Angella Oladive

The Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office is investigating reports linking politicians, businessmen, and alleged uniformed personnel to illegal quarrying operations in Iloilo province.

PGENRO head Atty. Cesar Emmanuelle Buyco Jr. said the information, while still under validation, points to a network of influential individuals believed to be behind quarrying activities in parts of the province.

“There are politicians involved, businessmen, even members of the armed forces—I cannot say whether they are from the police, Navy, or Army,” Buyco said in an interview Monday, May 4.

Buyco said the investigation aims to establish the identities and verify the extent of involvement of those named in the reports.

Areas under monitoring include the municipalities of Dueñas, Calinog, and Lambunao, where illegal quarrying activities have been previously reported.

On April 29, PGENRO, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 6, and SWAT units conducted a joint “full-blown operation” along the boundary of the three towns.

Despite drone surveillance confirming ongoing quarrying activities before the raid, no suspects were arrested because operators had already fled before authorities arrived.

The incident raised the possibility of a tip-off.

The affected area is estimated to have exceeded 5 hectares.

Authorities recovered six abandoned backhoes in Barangay Cabudian, Dueñas.

The equipment has since been placed under barangay custody.

Buyco also said the lack of complainants remains a major challenge, as fear for safety discourages individuals from coming forward.

He disclosed that the office and its personnel have received threats, including death threats, during operations.

“This is the time when everyone must work together so we can catch those engaged in illegal quarrying. There are only certain areas that need to be closely monitored, but enforcement must be sustained and followed through,” he said.

Operators involved in illegal quarrying may face charges for violating Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-354.

They may also face charges for unauthorized extraction or theft of minerals under Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.