Measures to boost anti-illegal quarry operations in Negros Oriental sought

By Rachelle M. Nessia

DUMAGUETE CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) -- The provincial government here has urged the Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board (PMRB) to strengthen its campaign to crack down on illegal quarry operations in the province. 

Gov. Roel Degamo said his office still receives reports of continued illegal quarry activities in the province. 

The provincial government earlier asked the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to conduct an inspection of quarry areas in the province twice a month, said Capitol Information Officer Adrian Sedillo. 

“But MGB officials have admitted that this would be difficult for them to do due to the vast area they cover,” said Sedillo in a statement. 

The provincial government and MGB eventually agreed to hold the inspection of quarry areas to two days every month when the PMRB convenes. 

It was also agreed that the Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) should provide the list of areas that will be inspected “since they know best the status of each quarry operation in the province,” added Sedillo. 

In line with this, the governor also instructed the ENRD to look into the creation of a task force that will run after illegal quarry operators. (RMN/PIA-7 Negros Oriental)