MGB lifts suspension of quarry for 8 firms

CEBU, Philippines — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has allowed eight large quarry operators in Central Visayas to resume their operations after it was suspended for review following the killer landslides in Naga City, Cebu last month.

MGB-7 information officer Marian Codilla said 15 Industrial Sand and Gravel (ISAG) operators were also cleared to resume their operations. Codilla, however, said that the operations of Apo Land and Quarry Corporation in Naga City are still suspended.

Codilla said MGB Director Wilfredo Moncano gave the clearance to lift the suspension orders after completing the safety and geo-hazard assessment. A composite team from MGB conducted the reassessment of the quarry sites after the tragic landslides.

The lifting of the suspension, however, is subject to the commitment of both the local government officials and the quarry or ISAG operators to comply with the recommendations of MGB during the survey.

The large-scale quarry operators in Cebu that were allowed to operate again include Solid Earth Development Corp. in San Fernando; Dolomite Mining Corporation in Alcoy; Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc. in Danao City; and JLR Construction and Aggregates, Inc. in Naga City.

The Quarry Ventures Philippines Inc. in Naga City was given a partial lifting because one of its permit areas remained suspended. The other operators that were given the green light to operate are Bohol Limestone Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez ton; Lazi Bay Resources Development Inc. in Lazi, Siquijor; and Heirs of Arturo Zayco in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

The temporary suspension remains for ALQC in Barangay Tina-an, Naga City pending the ongoing investigation. The company is blamed for the massive landslides in Sitios Tagaytay and Sindulan last month which claimed 78 people and five others are still missing.

ISAG operators in Cebu that were cleared to operate include WTG Construction and Development Corp. of Willy T. Go (Balamban); Balamban Construction and Marine Services Ltd. Co of Ceilito T. Bardenas (Balamban); Stanley S. Chona (Balamban); Annette J. Navarro (Balamban);  Gimar A. Besañes (Toledo City); Ma. Celeste L. Dolino (Toledo City); Ophelio L. Dolino (Toledo City); Merriam Jane B. Dumadag (Toledo City); Arlene T. Borja (Toledo City); Mervin R. Teo (Toledo City); Humprey R. Benitez (Toledo City); Willy U. Te’s Jute Rocks, Inc. (Asturias); Ceilito T. Bardenas (Asturias); and Anna B. Suba (Balamban). The lone ISAG operator in Ayungon, Negros Oriental under Oliver Sobere Yu was also permitted to reopen.

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered a temporary suspension of all quarry activities in Central Visayas following the Naga City landslide tragedy. (FREEMAN)