Albay governor suspends quarry operations

Albay Governor Noel Rosal has suspended quarry operations in the province due to several reported cases of over-extraction at various quarry sites. INQUIRER FILES

LEGAZPI CITY – Albay Gov. Noel Rosal has suspended quarry operations in the province due to several reported cases of over-extraction at various quarry sites.

Rosal signed Executive Order (EO) No. 21 on Monday night and would remain in effect until Nov. 3, 2025, unless revoked or extended.

“Undeniably, over-extraction and quarrying activities within prohibited areas lead to serious environmental impacts, such as changes in the natural flow of rivers, river siltation, flooding, and soil erosion. The recent flooding in Barangay Masarawag, Guinobatan, Albay, is a testament to this,” the EO read, citing a report from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

Holders of valid quarry permits are allowed to dispose of and utilize their stockpiles that existed as of the date of the EO.

READ: Lanao del Sur gov orders immediate stop to unlicensed quarry operations

Rosal added that within seven days of issuance, the PENRO is directed to tabulate the volume of stockpiles from each quarry permittee in Albay.

“Once the tabulation is complete, the existing stockpiles may be disposed of and utilized under the close supervision and monitoring of the Provincial ENRO, while adhering to all existing laws and regulations governing the disposal and utilization of quarry materials,” he said.

Rosal ordered a comprehensive audit of quarry operations with representatives from the PENRO, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau, and the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office.

The audit team is expected to submit a detailed report that contains the ecological and geological risks associated with current quarry sites, comprehensive rehabilitation plans, and policy reforms for sustainable quarrying, as well as documented violations of quarrying operations and recommendations for addressing each violation.

Quarry operators who engage in operations during the suspension period will have their permits revoked and will be prohibited from obtaining quarry permits for five years from the date of revocation.

Persons, corporations, or other entities conducting quarrying activities without a permit will be penalized and prosecuted. (PNA)/coa