DENR suspends 11 quarry operators

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has suspended 11 quarry operators in Rizal as the DENR probes their possible liability for the siltation of the Marikina River, believed to have caused the massive flooding in the city during Typhoon Ulysses.

In an order dated Dec. 2, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the DENR suspended 11 quarry and crushing plant companies operating within the Marikina River Basin.

Of these companies, five are holders of mineral production sharing agreements: Asensio-Pinzon Aggregates Corp., San Rafael Development Corp., Montalban Millex Aggregates Corp., Hardrock Aggregates Inc. and Rapid City Realty and Development Corp.

The other suspended firms are holders of mineral processing permits. These are Oxford Mines Inc., Viba Aggregates & Marketing, Amiterra Aggregates Corp., Dream Rock Resources Phils. Inc., Superior Aggregates Inc. and ATN Holdings Inc.

The DENR said the suspension order would stay until it finishes the probe on the cause of the flooding in Marikina and Rizal.