ILOILO – The Sangguniang Bayan (SB) of Calinog town urged the Provincial Government Environment and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) to investigate what it alleged to be an illegal quarry in the municipality’s Barangay Ipil.
The SB submitted to PGENRO yesterday photos of the quarry site and a resolution it passed on Oct. 14, 2019 yet requesting for a probe.
According to Atty. Arturo Cangrejo, officer-in-charge of PGENRO, the SB resolution also identified the lots where the quarry was allegedly being carried out
These lots, with a total width of some two hectares, were “located outside of the approved quarry area”, read part of the resolution.
If left unchecked, according to the SB, the quarry would result to “riverbank denudation to the detriment of farmers living along adjacent lots.”
According to Cangrejo, PGENRO personnel checked the area several times last year but failed to apprehend quarry workers.
“Sa kalayo sang area. By the time maka-respond kami didto usually ang maabtan namon patay na nga loader or backhoe. Wala ka na pamangkutan kay nakapalagyo na ang tawo,” said Cangrejo.
The PGENRO also issued a quarry cease and desist order covering the areas last year, added Cangrejo. But he acknowledged that his office could not possibly watch the area 24/7.
He thus appealed to residents in the area for help.
“We need them, especially ang barangay officials, nga tani early pa lang ma-inform na kami,” said Cangrejo.
He also suggested to the SB of Calinog to hold public hearings and gather the people’s sentiments about the quarry operation in the area./PN
