Suspension of quarrying in Central Visayas lifted

CEBU CITY — The suspension of large-scale quarrying operations by seven mining firms in Central Visayas has been lifted.

The order lifting the suspension was signed last Friday by Efren Carido, the newly installed regional director of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Central Visayas.

Allowed to resume quarrying are Solid Earth Development Corp. in San Fernando, Cebu; Dolomite Mining Corp. in Alcoy, Cebu; Bohol Limestone Corp. in Garcia Hernandez, Bohol; Lazi Bay Resources Development Inc. in Lazi, Siquijor, Heirs of Arturo Zayco in Ayungon, Negros Oriental; Republic Cement and Building Materials Inc. in Danao City; and JLR Constructions and Aggregate Inc. in Naga City, Cebu.

MGB also partially lifted the suspension on quarry operations of Quarry Ventures Philippines Inc. in Naga City.

“Partially lifted means they cannot operate in all of their contracted areas pending the clearance from the Central Office,” said Codilla.

The suspension of industrial sand gravel operations in the region remains, he said.

Quarrying in eight regions was ordered suspended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu a day after a massive landslide struck Barangay Sindulan in Naga last September 20.

The landslide claimed the lives of more than 70 residents and destroyed at least 30 houses.

After the suspension was imposed, MGB conducted a safety and geohazard assessment in communities near quarry sites.

Cimatu also relieved MGB Regional Director Loreto Alburo, chief geologist Al Emil Berador, Gerardo Mahusay, chief of MGB's finance administrative division and supervising geologist Dennis Aleta.