PENRO Orders Halt to Illegal Quarrying Activities in Barangay Tomitom

Daphne Santuyo

IPIL, ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAY - The Office of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO) has ordered the immediate cessation of quarrying and sand and gravel extraction activities in Barangay Tomitom after an investigation revealed that the operations were being conducted without the required permits.

A composite investigation team, citing information from barangay officials, on-site inspections, and the admission of Virgie E. Martinez, established that quarrying activities were undertaken in the area despite the absence of a valid Governor’s Permit. Authorities clarified that although the barangay had issued a Resolution Interposing No Objection (RINO), later amended to reflect the name of Julius R. Pagalan, such a resolution does not authorize quarry operations without the necessary permits from the Provincial Government and approvals from other concerned regulatory agencies.

Investigators confirmed the presence of heavy equipment, stockpiles of aggregates, excavated dryland quarry areas, and disturbed riverbeds, all of which point to active and recent extraction activities. Martinez admitted to extracting an estimated 40 truckloads of quarry materials and acknowledged that the operations were carried out despite her awareness that no permits had been secured.

The investigation also noted the opening of an access road, the cutting of trees, and the proximity of the quarry site to a critical spillway structure. These findings raised serious environmental, safety, and infrastructure concerns, prompting authorities to recommend further technical evaluation and strict regulatory oversight.

In line with the investigation team’s recommendation, PENRO will issue a Cease and Desist Order against Martinez, directing her to immediately stop all quarrying-related activities, including extraction, excavation, hauling, stockpiling, and road opening within the area. The order will remain in effect until all required clearances and certifications from the appropriate regulatory agencies are obtained, including the issuance of a Governor’s Permit.

Provincial authorities reiterated their commitment to enforcing environmental laws and regulations to protect natural resources and ensure public safety.

Meanwhile, even Mayor Ramses Troy Olegario expressed surprise upon learning of the illegal quarrying activities in the municipality of Ipil. The mayor personally discovered the operation during one of his visits to the barangay, when he and his team encountered heavy equipment being transported toward Barangay Tomitom.

Alarmed by the sighting, Mayor Olegario immediately directed the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) to conduct a thorough investigation and submit a report on their findings, which later confirmed the presence of unauthorized quarrying activities in the area.

As of this writing, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has yet to issue a statement or reaction regarding the latest developments.