7 workers arrested during raid on alleged illegal quarry, firing range in Batangas

Seven workers were arrested in an alleged illegal quarry and firing range during a joint operation in Batangas, according to John Consulta’s “24 Oras” weekend report on Saturday.

Personnel of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and Philippine Army discovered the quarry, construction site, and firing range at a nearly one-hectare area in Talisay, Batangas.

Lawyer Jun Carpeso, NBI Environmental Crime Division chief, said the area was considered protected and such activities were prohibited there.

“Massive yung destruction sa nangyari, makikita mo talagang nahati na yung bundok doon eh. Nagulat kami na maganda yung lugar talagang malinis, ginawa pa nilang firing range, at saka mayroon pang mga unfinished infrastructure roon na gagawing mga building yata siguro at saka mga accommodation kung sino yung nagta-target practice roon,” Carpeso said.

(The destruction in the area is massive. You can see that the mountain was half dug up. We were surprised that the place was really clean, they even built a firing range, and several unfinished structures would be turned into buildings and possible accommodation for those who target shoot there.)

The authorities also confiscated heavy equipment in the area.

Meanwhile, one of the arrested workers denied the allegations made by the authorities.

“Hindi ko po alam sir, hindi ko po alam bago pa lang kasi kami roon,” arrested worker Rodante De Ocampo said.

(I don't know sir, I don’t know because we were only new workers there.)

The workers will face charges for violating the National Integrated Protected Areas System and Philippine Mining Act of 1995. — Richa Noriega/DVM, GMA News