Police have arrested four people and seized quarry materials and vehicles worth around P12 million in an anti-illegal quarrying operation in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

The operation was carried out by police officers and personnel of the Task Force Kalikasan of Misamis Oriental and Provincial Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (PLENRO).

Authorities identified the suspects by their aliases as “Nard,” “Rome,” and “Arcos,” all residents of Bukidnon, and “Jo,” a resident of Laguindingan.

Seized during the operation were three dump trucks loaded with around 33 cubic meters of sand and gravel and a backhoe, with a total estimated value of P12 million.

The suspects are facing charges for violation of a provincial ordinance, and the case was referred to PLENRO for further legal action.

PRO-10 said it will continue to strengthen efforts to protect the environment and enforce laws against illegal quarrying and other environmental violations across the region.

“This successful operation highlights our firm commitment to protect the environment and ensure that our natural resources are utilized responsibly and legally. We will continue to strengthen our collaboration with concerned government agencies to intensify the campaign against illegal quarrying and other environmental violations in the region,” PRO-10 Director, Brigadier General Christopher Abrahano, said.