ILOILO City – The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) is intensifying the campaign against illegal quarrying.
“My instruction to my men is to be watchful of their respective areas of responsibility, of trucks loaded with sand and gravel. Check if they have complete documents,” said Police Colonel Adrian Acollador, IPPO director.
Three trucks of quarried sand and gravel were apprehended on Feb. 9. Their drivers failed to show pertinent permits.
The interceptions were in the town of Zarraga, Iloilo – two trucks (in Barangay Jalaud driven by Marjon Bitoon, and in Barangay Gines drjven by Jeffry Hinojales).
The other truck was intercepted in Barangay Namucon, Tigbauan, Iloilo driven by Gino Nieves.
The drivers were detained. They were released only after paying a fine of P1,000 each for violation of Provincial Ordinance 2017-145 that prohibits quarrying without permit.
IPPO records showed that for the month of January, nine quarry trucks were impounded.
“To those who are in quarry business, make sure that your drivers have pertinent papers. Kun wala dakpon sila sang aton pulis,” Acollador said./PN
