North Cotabato offers prize for arrest in illegal quarrying

COTABATO CITY, Philippines—North Cotabato Governor Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza  announced Friday a P50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of people engaged in illegal sand and soil quarrying in the province.

Mendoza said she hoped the reward would entice residents to help the provincial government identify  people involved in illegal quarry operations in the province and officials abetting their activities.

Soil shoveled out from hillsides is called “mountain mix” and is  used in road rehabilitation or construction as well as for landfill.

“Their nefarious days would soon cease with the launching of the cash reward system to those who can provide `A-1 information’ for their arrest,” she said.

Mendoza said tipsters can simply contact her office and if the information turns out to be correct, the reward would be given.

“The provincial government would reward a tipster or any concerned citizen P50,000 in cash after verification of truthful information relayed to the Office of the Provincial Governor,” she said.

Mendoza said illegal quarrying was a serious problem in the province because of soil erosion and landslides.

“Documentation and other means of drawing reliable information are our move to combat the illegal activities,” she said.