NBI busts illegal quarry operation in Baras, Rizal

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Rizal has uncovered an ongoing illegal quarry operation in Baras, Rizal, following a joint operation with the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 4A.

Surveillance footage showed extensive environmental damage in the mountainous area, including cut trees and stripped portions of the hillside.

Based on a report by John Consulta on “24 Oras Weekend,” the operation was launched after the local government unit (LGU) reported suspected quarrying activities in the area without the necessary permits.

The NBI said authorities first conducted surveillance and deployed a drone to confirm the illegal activity.

“Nagpadala tayo ng tao, pina-surveillance natin, nagpalipad ng drone para malaman kung meron nga talagang operasyon ng quarry,” an NBI operative said.

(We sent personnel, conducted surveillance, and flew a drone to verify if there was indeed an ongoing quarry operation.)

Photos released by the NBI showed widespread environmental degradation caused by quarrying activities.

"Kitang-kita po natin yung diperensya na talagang nakalbo na, naputol ang mga puno, at may mga paghuhukay na po na ginagawa,” NBI Director Melvin Matibag said. 

He warned that the destruction of vegetation poses serious risks, especially during heavy rains.

“Napakalaki pong problema niyan pag umuulan dahil ito po ay natural protection natin sa kalamidad—sa pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa. Dahil naputol na po, nawala na yung puno at nagbago na yung terrain po,” Matibag added.

(That poses a serious problem when it rains because [the mountain] serves as our natural protection against disasters—flooding and landslides. Now that the trees have been cut, they are gone, and the terrain has already changed.)

The NBI said certifications from various government agencies showed that the company involved had no license or permit to operate a quarry.

Several quarry workers, including two backhoe operators, were rounded up during the operation.

Authorities also confiscated quarry materials and equipment worth more than P6 million.

The operators and company owners will face charges for theft of minerals under the Philippine Mining Act.—MCG, GMA News