Penro checks Gungob’s quarry

CEBU, Philippines - The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) has verified if the trucks of former Consolacion mayor Avelino Gungob has permit to carry limestone when these were apprehended Tuesday.

Acting Governor Agnes Magpale ordered PENRO to check the claim of Gungob that the cargo has legitimate delivery receipts (DR).

Should there be questionable documents, Magpale said Gungob should pay the necessary fine of P10,000 per truck.

“Tan-awon pa na legal ba na,” Magpale said. (We still have to check on its legality.)

Magpale cited the same case in Toledo City wherein the shipment was not covered by a permit, prompting them to ask the owner to pay the corresponding fine.

She said that they also cancelled one of the permits of a certain Jeffrey Borja after it was found out to be expired last December 31, 2012.

The PENRO task force has intercepted two trucks of Gungob carrying limestones.  Mayor Teresa Alegado earlier sought the help of PENRO after receiving numerous complaints against illegal haulers.

A task force then conducted operation, resulting in the interception of two trucks of Gungob along with other four 10-wheeler trucks.

Gungob’s hauling operation and quarry at the back of Monteverde Subdivision in Consolacion have reportedly been the subject of numerous complaints from residents nearby for fear of landslide.

Gungob claimed that his quarry has an environmental compliance certificate issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

It is provided in the Provincial Ordinance that a fine of P10,000 each truck shall be imposed to violators of quarry regulations.

After paying the fine, the truck shall be released to the owner. — (FREEMAN)