DAVAO CITY – Davao City Police Director Hansel Marantan has vowed to continue closing illegal quarries in the city, citing over a hundred quarries that remain non-compliant with environmental laws.
Despite some quarries having quarry permits, Marantan emphasized that any operation not adhering to the law will face closure.
“There are still many, hundreds in fact. We will continue to inspect those that are non-compliant, and we will close them, even if they have permits,” Marantan told Newsline Philippines.
Two weeks ago, authorities shut down four illegal quarries in the hinterland district of the city after receiving complaints. A dozen heavy equipment were seized and turned over to the City Office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Since the raids were conducted, several netizens reported to Newsline different areas where illegal quarries are still operating, voicing concerns about the damage these operations are causing. “They are causing floods and destroying our roads. But we are afraid to come out because they are in cahoots with some politicians and big business groups,” one concerned resident said.
In a related report, a source from the Third Legislative District mentioned that the Environment Office had released some of the heavy equipment that was earlier confiscated by the police, raising questions about the enforcement of the law.
Marantan stressed the widespread issue, noting, “There are many large-scale illegal quarry operations. Almost every police precinct has a record of such activities.” He assured the public that the crackdown would continue, saying, “Expect more closures. We will go back to the ground and inspect at any time.”
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