Night time sand, gravel extraction banned

ORMOC CITY, Philippines — Mayor Richard Gomez has banned the extraction of sand and gravel (SAG) from all rivers of the city, following reports that permittees are taking advantage of the dark hours to extract and haul sand and gravel to avoid paying fees.

In his Executive Order No. 24 issued last June 26, Gomez “prohibit all sand and gravel operations and/or other mining activities (extraction, crushing, hauling and transport, etc.)” from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.

The mayor said: “LGU Ormoc received reports from the residents of concerned barangays that extraction, hauling and other mining activities and/or operations were being conducted during nighttime and even until dawn to do away with the checkers and/or payment of fees.”

The Gomez administration has increased the hauling fees of SAG to P 40 per cubic meter, resulting in the increase of the city’s income by fourfold, from P 6.7-million in 2016 to more than P20-million in 2017.

The mayor added that the “extraction, crushing, hauling and other mining activities and/or operations that were being conducted… produces so much noise, pollution, and other disturbances to the residents of the community near the extraction and/or operation areas.”

Gomez told The Freeman that he has already disseminated the EO to the concerned parties, including the Ormoc Police. (FREEMAN)