Macias wants new actions vs illegal quarrying

CEBU, Philippines — Negros Oriental acting Governor Doc Mark Macias was not keen on coming out with new policies against illegal sand and gravel quarrying around the province, but wanted to find ways to streamline enforcement of existing regulations.

Macias, during a meeting on Thursday with quarry operators who have permits, was told that the provincial Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) had only a few people to check on illegal operations in the province.

"There's no way three people can monitor 119 permitees for sand and gravel quarrying all over the province of Negros Oriental," he said, adding that solutions had to be carried out to solve the problem of illegal activities.

Macias said that, before signing documents, he would ascertain first what is going on especially on figures regarding payments, which had to be corrected so it will be advantageous to the government.

The acting governor also wanted a data base and profile of barges-which from time to time dock in different ports of the province to ferry mineral resources out-including delivery trucks, their plate numbers, registration, and drivers, so that during spot inspections it will be easier to enforce the regulations.

At least four delivery trucks have been apprehended in the absence of delivery receipts, Macias was informed by ENRD officials.

"Inspectors are advised to make sure delivery receipts are filled up so it can't be used in other trips to the prejudice of government," he said, citing reports he got about illegal quarrying in some parts of the province that he wanted validated via spot checking. (FREEMAN)