2 quarry companies told: Halt operations

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has issued executive orders (EOs) directing two quarry companies to suspend all earth-moving operations pending a comprehensive environmental audit and risk assessment.

Through EO No. 2, Garcia extended her previous order issued on December 3, 2024, which suspended the operations of Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC) in the City of Naga. The suspension, initially set for one month, has been extended for another 30 days.

Garcia stated that the ongoing environmental audit, risk assessment, and evaluation of the carrying capacity of ALQC’s Mineral Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA) require additional time to be completed.

 In a separate directive, EO No. 3, issued on January 9, 2025, Garcia also temporarily halted the quarrying activities of Solid Earth Development Corporation, a mining firm based in San Fernando, Cebu.

The governor cited the firm’s apparent disregard for the safety of communities near its MPSA areas. A preliminary risk assessment revealed that quarrying activities had encroached on areas close to local residents, raising safety concerns.

“There is an urgent need for an environmental audit, a comprehensive area risk assessment, and the determination of the carrying capacity of the MPSA areas,” the order stated.

Solid Earth supplies materials to Taiheiyo Cement Philippines, a company also based in San Fernando. Before issuing the order, Garcia met with company officials, representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), and local officials, including San Fernando Mayor Mytha Ann Canoy.

The governor tasked the company with presenting a plan within 30 days to ensure the safety of nearby communities. Additionally, a Technical Working Group (TWG) will assess the company’s compliance with its MPSA provisions.

Local governments, the provincial police, and relevant agencies, including DENR-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) and MGB, were directed to enforce the orders starting January 10, 2025.

Garcia emphasized the need to stop indiscriminate quarrying and ensure strict compliance with environmental laws to prevent tragedies like the 2018 landslide in Barangay Tinaan, City of Naga. The disaster claimed at least 70 lives and was attributed to activities within ALQC’s MPSA area.

“The safety and security of our communities must come first,” Garcia said.