Review W. Visayas quarry sites — DENR

ILOILO CITY — Following the deadly landslide in southern Cebu, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) wants to review the operations of quarry sites in the Western Visayas region.

“I want careful assessment and validation of the quarry sites to prevent major landslide or erosion incidents,” said DENR Regional Director Jim Sampulna.

Sampulna wanted quarry sites in the region checked even if Western Visayas is not included in the moratorium order of DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu.

Since September 21, quarrying has been suspended in Ilocos, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, Bicol, Central Visayas, Northern Mindanao, Davao, and Caraga

Sampulna said a composite team from DENR and its attached agency of Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) will inspect quarry sites in Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, and Negros Occidental.

There are mostly small-scale mining or quarrying operations in the region, and DENR wants a more stringent monitoring by local government units (LGUs).

Sampulna explained to Manila Bulletin that LGUs are the ones authorized to issue permits to private companies for operations of quarry sites that are smaller than five hectares.

Sampulna noted that several LGUs could be issuing permits to quarry sites that are more than five hectares. The illegal practice could be a problem in the future as overextraction at quarry sites can trigger erosions or landslides.

“We don’t want that to happen,” Sampulna said.