Tuaño: no Iloilo cops directly tied to illegal quarrying

By Jennifer P. Rendon

No police officer in Iloilo was found to be directly involved in illegal quarrying, Police Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said, citing preliminary findings from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

Tuaño, acting director of Police Regional Office 6, said the MGB had not yet submitted an official written report to the regional police office.

“Malinaw po ang naging resulta bagamat wala pa pong official na binigay sa atin. Kaya po hiniling natin kung maaari i-document at i-submit sa PRO-6 ang kanilang findings,” he said, adding, “ganito ang malinaw sa kanilang investigation at patuloy na investigation, wala pong nakitang pulis dito sa PRO-6 na directly involved sa legal quarry.”

The allegations apparently arose from statements by truck drivers apprehended while hauling quarry materials.

The drivers allegedly named police officers assigned to Iloilo, prompting claims that the officers were involved in the operations.

Based on the MGB’s preliminary findings, Tuaño said investigators would set aside possible violations of Republic Act 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.

Investigators would instead examine possible violations of Republic Act 3019, or the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, or direct bribery under Article 210 of the Revised Penal Code.

RA 3019 covers corrupt practices by public officers, while Article 210 separately penalizes direct bribery.

Asked about separate reports that a municipal police chief was present at an illegal quarry operation in Iloilo province on June 11 and 12, Tuaño said the allegation would be handled like the other claims.

“It should be substantiated through a fact-finding independently by the Regional Investigation and Detective Management Division (RIDMD). They would be given due process and would be allowed to explain,” he said.

Tuaño said officers could face appropriate charges if the fact-finding inquiry uncovered violations.

PRO 6 began investigating several weeks ago after receiving reports that some police personnel might be involved in illegal quarrying in Iloilo.

The regional police office said it maintains a zero-tolerance policy against illegal activity, misconduct and abuse of authority.

The investigation followed an earlier disclosure by the Iloilo Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office that Philippine National Police personnel could be included in an ongoing case buildup against people allegedly involved in illegal quarrying.

The provincial environment office began building cases in May against six people after authorities intensified operations in Dueñas, Calinog and Lambunao. A joint operation on April 29 found abandoned heavy equipment after quarry operators reportedly fled the area, according to earlier Daily Guardian reports.

Under the Philippine Mining Act, provincial governors may issue quarry permits for building and construction materials after applicants meet regulatory requirements.