CITY OF MALOLOS – Strictly following the directives of Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando regarding the firm implementation of RA 7942 and Provincial Ordinance No. C-005, the Bulacan Environment and Natural Resources Office (BENRO) and the Bulacan Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) busted an illegal quarry operation in a remote area in Casalat, San Ildefonso, Bulacan recently.
BENRO Head Atty. Julius Victor Degala said three male suspects were arrested, and a CAT back hoe, a 10-wheeler Isuzu truck and minerals were seized as evidences. Cases of mineral theft under RA 7942 and Violation of Provincial Ordinance No. C-005 have also been filed against the suspects.
“Concerned citizens reported to the authorities that they believe illegal quarrying is being conducted by a group claiming to be “untouchable” because the operation is active late at night and very early in the morning. Blasting is also undertaken at any hour without prior notice causing alarm among residents,” Degala said.
He added that their team assigned in the area acted after receiving a vital information and immediately conducted a surveillance.
“When they saw several individuals gathering minerals which is believed to be limestone and are being loaded in the truck, they made their presence known and identified themselves. When asked to present a permit, the quarry operators could not present any,” the BENRO chief explained.
Fernando lauded the efforts of BENRO and CIDG and reminded Bulakenyo miners to follow the regulations and operate legally.
“Nalulugod po ako lalo pa at nakikita ko ang puspusang pagpapatupad ng mga batas at ordinansa na nagpoprotekta at nangangalaga sa kalikasan. Maraming salamat sa ating BENRO at sa CIDG dahil sa inyong dedikasyon at kagyat na pagtugon sa tawag ng tungkulin. Paulit-ulit ko pong ipinapaalala na kung ayaw ninyong maabala ang inyong mga operasyon, sumunod po tayo sa batas at regulasyon. At siyempre pa, mahalin at alagaan natin ang ating kalikasan,” the governor said.
CIDG Provincial Chief Major Dan August Masangkay said that his unit is always ready to assist the BENRO in its environmental protection operations in relation to the directives of the governor.
