Church leaders urge gov’t to probe ‘uncontrolled’ quarrying operations in Albay

The Diocese of Legazpi has urged the government to investigate the “uncontrolled” quarrying operations in Albay Province following the damage it incurred due to tropical cyclones Kristine and Pepito.

“We acknowledge the significant rainfall and slow movement of the typhoons, in particular with Typhoon Kristine, that caused extensive flooding,” the Diocese of Legazpi said in a statement.

“However, these effects were exacerbated by seemingly substandard infrastructures, misuse of public funds, and the dire consequences of uncontrolled quarry operations on the slopes of Mayon Volcano and other areas, as well as problematic road constructions throughout Albay Province,” it added.

The Albay Province was placed under a state of calamity due to Kristine's impact.

The provincial government said the tropical cyclone has caused continuous rainfall, resulting in flooding and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Data from PAGASA showed that Kristine dumped more rain in Albay than Typhoon Reming, the deadly storm that impacted the Bicol Region in 2006.

Citing data from PAGASA, Dr. Cedric Daep, APSEMO consultant on risk reduction management, said Kristine's rainfall could be "groundbreaking."

“Umabot ng unprecedented rainfall of 500 millimeters. Samantala, yung Reming noong 2006, ay 467 mm,” Daep said in a public briefing.

The Legazpi diocese said the government should investigate real estate developers and to hold them accountable for substandard public infrastructures and address reports of fake receipts and permits in quarrying operations.

Church leaders called on the government to conduct an “impartial and comprehensive” study on the environmental and social impacts of quarrying operations and road construction in Albay.

The Legazpi diocese said the results of the study should be transparent and accessible to the public and that a “competent” Provincial Mining Regulatory Board should also be established to review the performance of quarry operators and monitor their operations.

The board must inform the locals about quarrying operations, including the methods, benefits, and associated risks.

The Legazpi diocese also urged the provincial and local government to ensure that taxes were properly paid, and to issue a report on where these were spent.

GMA News Online has reached out to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and the Albay Provincial Government for comments.

In a Facebook post, the Legazpi diocese shared that the Malilipot town requested the MGB to conduct a geological survey and hazard study of the Bulawan River quarrying area.

“From our non-expert point of observation, the condition of the noted quarry sites would require immediate governmental intervention to avoid possible serious damages in the future,” Malilipot Mayor Cenon Volante said in a letter to MGB.

“We believe that timely preventive measures and actions shall be made by the local government to mitigate, if not avoid, the unforgiving devastation in the future,” Volante added.

Copies of the letter were given to the Sangguniang Bayan of Malilipot town, Office of the Albay Provincial Governor, Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay, the Diocese of Legazpi, and DPWH 1st District Engineering Office of Legazpi City.  — BAP, GMA Integrated News