PRO-6 probes police links to illegal Iloilo quarrying

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Amid a widening crackdown on illegal quarrying in Iloilo, the Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 is investigating reports that some of its own personnel may be linked to the illicit operations, vowing to impose administrative and criminal sanctions on any officer found accountable.

In a statement on Monday, June 1, PRO-6 said it had taken seriously the reports of alleged participation by some police personnel in illegal quarry operations and had ordered a thorough, impartial probe.

“The concerned units [have been directed] to conduct a comprehensive and fact-based investigation and coordinate with the proper government agencies to determine the veracity of the allegations and identify those who may be held accountable,” the statement read.

PRO-6 stressed that it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against any form of illegal activity, misconduct, or abuse of authority.

“Any personnel found involved, directly or indirectly, shall face appropriate administrative and criminal charges in accordance with existing laws and regulations,” it added.

The investigation follows an earlier disclosure by the Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) could be included in an ongoing case buildup against individuals allegedly involved in illegal quarrying in the province.

In a press briefing on Monday, PRO-6 acting director Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the regional police office is enforcing a zero-tolerance policy on any involvement of police officers in illegal activities.

Asked whether PRO-6 had already received a list of police officers allegedly involved in the quarry operations, Tuaño said only initial reports had so far reached the regional command group.

“While I have to receive more details, there is already an initial report on the level of the command group,” he said.

He emphasized that once sufficient evidence is established, cases will be pursued against all individuals involved, regardless of rank or position.

“Regardless of the circumstances, if the evidence against the said PNP members is strong, we will proceed with cases against them,” he said.

PNP regulations and anti-graft laws bar police officers from owning, operating, or holding pecuniary interests in private businesses, particularly those operating within their jurisdictions.

The PNP is also deputized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau to halt illegal quarry activities and confiscate heavy equipment.

The regional probe adds another layer to a monthslong provincial campaign. The Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office has been building cases against several people allegedly tied to illegal quarry operations in the towns of Dueñas, Calinog, and Lambunao.

The effort gained ground after an April 29 joint operation by the provincial environment office, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 6, and police Special Weapons and Tactics units, during which authorities recovered six abandoned backhoes in Barangay Cabudian, Dueñas, after operators fled before enforcement teams arrived.

Suspects in the case may face charges for violating Provincial Ordinance No. 2025-354 and Section 103 of the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which penalizes the unauthorized extraction of minerals.

At the provincial level, the Iloilo Police Provincial Office has separately moved to scrutinize its own ranks, with Iloilo police chief Col. Bayani Razalan ordering personnel reportedly engaged in the quarry business to report to his office.