Ormoc City Mayor Richard Gomez issued an executive order banning the export of sand and gravel outside Ormoc City, and the implementation of rehabilitation plans of existing sand and gravel (SAG) permit areas.
In the hopes of conserving the quarry resources of the city, the ban also forbids shipping, transporting, or carrying any sand and gravel material outside the city that produces Class A construction materials, regardless of its purpose, according to a Manila Bulletin report.
The order will be implemented this week once all SAG operators are informed.
“The failure to comply with the suspension of exports imposed herein shall be sufficient ground for the cancellation/revocation/termination of sand and gravel permit,” stated under the order.
Acceptance of all new applications and SAG permits renewals are also suspended under the Executive Order 17-A.
Gomez ordered a halt last year to quarry operations during weekends and holidays to give residents of nearby mining operations relief from the noise and dust caused by the activity.
In 2017, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Region 8 recommended the immediate temporary suspension of some commercial and industrial sand and gravel extraction in Panilahan River to rehabilitate the area.
The following year, MGB reported that most permit holders failed to rehabilitate the area.
In 2019, MGB 8 also issued a geohazard certification that indicated some permitted areas as highly susceptible to landslides and flooding. A joint field inspection also revealed that SAG operators obstructed some National Irrigation Administration (NIA) irrigation systems were interrupted.
In addition, SAG operations have negatively affected the ecological and economic value of freshwater ecosystems and marine resources.
