ILOILO – Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. has entrusted the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6) to take the lead in investigating and, if necessary, prosecuting police officers reportedly involved in a bribery scheme linked to illegal quarry operations in the province.
This decision followed a discussion with PRO-6 director Brigadier General Jack Wanky, who has begun probing reports of police protection for illegal quarrying activities in exchange for payola.
According to Defensor, the regional police are best equipped to handle the matter at the administrative level.
But he emphasized that the provincial government would cooperate fully, providing any required information or assistance to PRO-6 during the investigation.
Police Brigadier General Jack Wanky, regional police director, had disclosed that certain officers might be facilitating illegal quarry operations by ensuring operational security for a monthly fee estimated at around P50,000.
These officers, while not directly engaged in the illegal activities, are suspected of helping quarry operators bypass and evade regulations.
The PRO-6 plans to work closely with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, which manages quarry operations regulation. Part of the strategy includes revoking trip tickets issued to operators to prevent exploitation and ensuring the legality of trucks used in quarrying through collaboration with the Land Transportation Office.
Governor Defensor has acknowledged the challenges faced by the provincial government in monitoring illegal quarry activities across its 42 towns, including Passi City. He highlighted the efforts of local government units and the Iloilo Police Provincial Office in addressing these issues through coordinated monitoring at various levels./PN
