An environmental group has lauded the operation against an alleged illegal quarry operation in Upper Tamugan, Davao City that resulted in the arrest of 13 people.
According to the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Upper Tamugan is part of the conservation area, based on the Watershed Code and Comprehensive Land Use Plan of the city.
IDIS said it has received complaints before against illegal quarry operations in the city and forwarded the complaints to the agencies concerned.
This reportedly only ended up in validation until the National Bureau of Investigation-Davao (NBI-11) launched the operation.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2024, NBI-11 agents arrested 13 people in Upper Tamugan.
NBI-11 said illegal quarry operations in Marilog District and Calinan are prevalent.
IMPACT
“With this kind of apprehension from the government dako na ni siya nga message for those illegal quarrying activities to stop their operation,” IDIS Executive Director, Atty. Mark Peñalver, said.
The group said if these illegal activities are not addressed, it would be the community that will suffer its impact to the environment.
“Ang unregulated nga mga operation, quarry operations, kay molampas gyud na sila sa unsa ratong standard or unsa ratong allowed by law so over extraction will lead to detrimental effects sa habitat sa atoang soil sa atoang water quality and of course the overall ecosystem of the area,” Peñalver added.
Meanwhile, the National Commission on Indigenous People-Davao (NCIP-11) said it stands with authorities in safeguarding the environment since many indigenous peoples are living in areas where illegal quarry is allegedly operating.
Tribal groups are warned not to condone illegal quarry operations.
“Mao na akong ginaingon pud kay usahay ang nga leaders didto pud monegotiate ang illegal operator siya ang mabuhong dili ang community dapat ang community dapat moreport. Akong ginaawhag ang mga leader nga ayaw og sulod sa mga activity nga supak sa balaod kay definitely there will be penalty and once penalized you cannot expect NCIP to defend you,” NCIP-11 Director, Atty. Geroncio Aguio, said.
NBI-11 has already pressed charges against the 13 individuals arrested in Upper Tamugan.
Authorities continue to gather evidence against those behind the alleged illegal quarry operations in Upper Tamugan, including the barangay officials who may be involved.
