DENR finds 14 quarry operators in Albay violating environmental laws

Fourteen quarry operators in Albay have been found violating some environmental laws, Environment Undersecretary Jonas Leones said Sunday.

Interviewed on Dobol B sa News TV, Leones said a report of their initial investigation in the lahar-affected areas near Mayon Volcano pointed to some violations committed by quarry operators.

“Based doon sa aking information, na-finalized na ‘yung report, ang initial report diyan we have already identified at least 14 quarry operators na talagang nag-violate ng environmental laws natin,” he said.

“’Yung siyam diyan, nakita namin ang operators talagang nag-exceed na sila sa area na allowed sa kanila. Umakyat na sila. ‘Yung apat naman, talagang nag-o-operate with expired permits,” he added.

Initially, a temporary suspension has been imposed on all quarrying operations, Leones said, adding that those found violating laws will have an extended operations stoppage. 

Further, Leones said that the initial findings have prompted a review of the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) policies.

According to him, the review might call for the limiting of quarrying operations in "stable areas” with low risk for hazards.

On November 2, Super Typhoon Rolly triggered lahar mudflows, burying an estimated 300 houses in Barangay San Francisco in Guinobatan, where several residents died.

Guinobatan Mayor Ann Gemma Ongjoco and Governor Al Francis Bichara said the local governments are now working on the relocation of residents from lahar-hit areas. —LBG, GMA News