ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Western Mindanao office of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau warned Friday against the quarrying of pebbles from the shores of Zamboanga del Norte, particularly in the Gutalac area of Dipolog City.
This developed as Johann Jacildo, MGB director for the region, admitted that commercial beach quarrying was rampant in the area.
Jacildo said hand-picking of pebbles for handicraft was not prohibited by law. What is not allowed, he said, was the commercial quarrying for pebbles using trucks and machines.
Pebbles from the beaches of Zamboanga del Norte are known for their color and texture and are widely used in the construction of houses.
On Tuesday, the police announced the arrest of two persons allegedly involved in large-scale pebble quarrying in Dipolog City.
Jacildo said the suspects were arrested while transporting a truckload of pebbles to a local buyer who ships out the pebbles to Manila.