Authorities crackdown on illegal quarrying along Davao River

DAVAO CITY – Law enforcement agencies intercepted a large-scale illegal quarrying operation along Davao River in Purok 5, Lacson, Calinan, Davao City, on February 10, 2025, at around 4:30 PM, as part of Oplan Kalikasan, an initiative enforcing Republic Act 7942 (The Philippine Mining Act of 1995).

Brigadier General Nicolas Torre, director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), stated that after receiving reports of rampant illegal quarrying in the area, he immediately coordinated with Davao City Police Director Colonel Hansel Marantan to validate the claims.

Upon conducting an on-site investigation, authorities confirmed the presence of unauthorized quarrying activities. Several pieces of heavy machinery and vehicles were found in operation, including Three (3) backhoes, One (1) payloader, Five (5) dump truck, and Assorted documents, including delivery receipts and logbooks.

During the operation, eight workers were apprehended and identified as follows: Dominic Mose, 21 – Brgy. Dominga, Calinan, Rey Jhon Porta, 19 – Brgy. Dominga, Calinan, Joven Mose, 40 – Brgy. Dominga, Calinan, Phyl Tumanggong, 36 – Brgy. Dominga, Calinan, Dexter Vilegas Pacatang, 39 – Brgy. Dominga, Calinan, Joshua Atig, 20 – Brgy. Malamba, Marilog, Victorino Camanggayan Banghal, 54 – Sto. Niño, Gumalang, Baguio Distric and, Rogelio Redoble Refugio, 45 – Purok 1, Daliaon Plantation, all residents of  Davao City.

According to Col. Marantan, the quarrying operations were being managed and operated by Eduardo Majomot Bulala Jr. and Dana Gidelle Sullano, who failed to present valid permits or legal documents authorizing their activities.

As part of enforcement actions, authorities temporarily seized all heavy equipment and dump trucks, pending verification with the City Mining Regulatory Board (CMRB) and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

The investigation aims to determine whether the operators possess legal permits, the extent of environmental damage caused, and possible violations of Republic Act 7942.

Authorities have issued a strong warning against illegal quarrying operations, emphasizing that violations of RA 7942 can result in significant fines, legal consequences, and environmental penalties.

Further investigations are ongoing, and law enforcement agencies are monitoring other suspected quarrying sites in the region.