Governor Pamela Baricuatro has ordered the 30-day suspension of 10 quarry operators and nine special disposal permit holders under the provincial government’s jurisdiction. This occurs amid mounting complaints of environmental and regulatory violations.
The suspension, issued on July 28, 2025, aims to facilitate a full review of all active permits and operational compliance. It took effect immediately.
“We need to review and evaluate,” Baricuatro said in a media interview the following day, which was reported by Cebu Daily News. “There are complaints regarding some quarry operations and permits, so we need to evaluate if these operators are compliant.”
The suspended operations involved the extraction of sand and gravel, while firms holding special disposal permits, which are typically used by construction companies to dispose of excess site materials, were also included. However, the names and locations of the affected companies were not disclosed.
Rodel Bontuyan, head of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro), cited poorly maintained siltation ponds and drainage systems, as well as unauthorized extraction outside permitted areas, as common violations. He clarified that the suspension does not cover existing stockpiles or hardware store inventories, nor does it affect mining contracts issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
Bontuyan said on-site inspections began on July 29, with Penro deploying three technical personnel. He also made sure to note that new applications for quarry permits would still be accepted, but approval will be on hold pending the results of the ongoing review.
To oversee the process, Baricuatro formed a special review committee chaired by Assistant Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces. Members include Bontuyan, Provincial Legal Officer Guiller Ceniza, Provincial Treasurer Roy Salubre, and Executive Assistant Kevin Dinsay.
The committee has been tasked with assessing contract compliance, verifying volume limits, and recommending appropriate actions within the 30-day period. Sanctions could range from fines and continued suspension to full revocation of permits. All provincial offices have been instructed to fully cooperate with the committee’s work.
Baricuatro stated that the suspension is not expected to significantly impact the province’s construction supply chain. “It’s only for 30 days. I don’t think this will affect the industry,” she said.
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