MANILA, Philippines — Over P12 million worth of vehicles and quarry materials valued at P12,000,000.00 were seized during a crackdown on illegal quarrying in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental on March 9 resulting in the arrest of four individuals, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
The operation, led by the Task Force Kalikasan ug Kalinaw of Misamis Oriental in coordination with the Provincial Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (PLENRO) Misamis Oriental and the Laguindingan Municipal Police Station, resulted in the arrest of four male suspects identified by their aliases as “Nard,” “Rome,” “Arcos,” all from Bukidnon, and “Jo,” a resident of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.
Confiscated were three dump trucks loaded with sand and gravel and one backhoe used for quarrying operations, carrying 16 cubic meters of sand and gravel, another 16 cubic meters of sand and gravel, and one cubic meter of gravel, totaling P12 million.
The suspects are facing charges for violation of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 4014-2017, and the case has been forwarded to PLENRO Misamis Oriental for proper disposition and further legal action.
PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said, “Illegal quarrying threatens both the environment and local livelihoods. The PNP is committed to ensuring that all violations are addressed decisively and lawfully.”
