GINGOOG City Mayor Erick Canosa has ordered the suspension of quarry operations in the city until operators are able to present permits and follow the regulations set by law.
Canosa issued an executive order dated July 15, suspending quarry operations due to complaints by concerned groups from the city's different barangays, alluding it destroyed the river banks and the natural and environmental set-up within.
"The suspension of operation as hereto manifested may be lifted after the concessionaires/owners of quarries and their respective operators submit their documents necessary in support of their operation to the Office of the City Mayor and the Office of the Sangguniang Panglungsod for verification and confirmation of their validity and legality in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)," the order stated.
"We are mandated to protect the general welfare of the people and take adequate measures to safeguard and conserve land, mineral, forest, and other resources of the city," Canosa said.
Canosa said the quarry operation is e allowed by law but it should not be abused.
He said there have been reports that quarry owners or operators have committed violations, but these are subject for verification and validation by the inspection team of the City Government.
"Naay gi-set nga requirements kung pila lang ka cubic meters ang allowed by law. We will check the ledger sa ilang deliveries kung pila na ka cubic meters kay naay gi-set ang DENR kung aha ra sila taman," Canosa said.
"Naay nianha sa ako nga operator after the EO is issued nga nag-ingon nga on process ang ilang permit. So we have to suspend quarry operation pending the approval of permits kay they should accomplish first the necessary documents before they operate," he added.
Around 20 quarry operators are existing in the city but only few have submitted their documents for verification.
Canosa said if operators have complied and obeyed the laws and regulations, the City Government will not stop quarry operations.
