6 arrested in Lian illegal quarrying
The Environmental Law Enforcement and Protection Service (ELEPS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has arrested six quarry workers for their involvement in illegal quarrying activities in Lian, Batangas.
Arrested were Rodel Marinduque, Francis Dacuya, Claudio Tamayo, Jovencio Malabanan, Roger Betonia and Sonny Marinduque.
Reports from the DENR-ELEPS said the suspects were arrested during a joint surveillance operation conducted last June 24 in Sitio Matuod, Bgy. Binubusan, Lian.
The DENR-ELEPS together with the Environmental Crime Division of the National Bureau of Investigation, Armed Forces of the Philippines and DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Calabarzon conducted the operation to verify reports that quarry operations in the area is ongoing despite the cease and desist order previously issued to the owner identified as Francis Limjoco III.
During the operation, the joint operatives were able to confiscate four units of backhoe and five dump trucks – including the illegally sourced minerals called andesite, a type of volcanic rock – with an estimated value of P32,038,500.
Based on the list of existing holders of Special Permit to Transport and Dispose of the Batangas Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, no transport permit was issued in Lian town.
The DENR-MGB in Calabarzon also issued a certification stating that there was no valid Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) that was granted within the said municipality.
MPSA is an agreement wherein the government shares in the production of the contractor, whether in kind or in value, as an owner of the minerals. In return, the contractor shall provide the necessary financing, technology, management and personnel for the mining project.
Meanwhile, DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said the arrest of the quarry workers is “another proof of the DENR’s continuing commitment during this quarantine period even when mobility restrictions are still impeding enforcement operations.”
“The arrest of this group of individuals is also a testimony why we need an enforcement bureau in the DENR. Through this health crisis, we laud the continuing endeavors of the men and women serving the ELEPS to apprehend the culprits,” Cimatu said.
Cimatu added that the suspects will be charged with violation of Section 103 of Republic Act 7942 (RA) or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Section 103 of RA 7942 states that “any person extracting minerals and disposing the same without a mining agreement, lease, permit, license, or steals minerals shall be imprisoned from six months to six years or pay a fine from P10,000 to P20,000.”
