Calls mount for probe into possible violations of environmental and Indigenous Peoples’ rights laws.
Laak, Davao de Oro — Members of the Dibabawon tribe in Barangay Emilia, Laak, have raised serious concerns over what they claim to be an illegal quarrying operation allegedly backed by Mayor Honeyboy Libuangan, which they say has caused environmental damage and violated Indigenous rights.
According to the Lumad residents, the quarry operation has been ongoing for quite some time without proper authorization or consultation with the community. They asserted that the project did not undergo any official barangay session or obtain a Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) — a legal requirement for activities within ancestral domains under the Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act (IPRA).
Under Provincial Ordinance No. 104-2022, all quarry operations in Davao de Oro must follow due process, including approval from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and must secure complete permits from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO). The law also mandates a barangay resolution endorsed by the local council, not merely personal agreements.
A resident interviewed by Bombo Radyo Davao claimed that some barangay officials might have been aware of the operation but did not deliberate on it formally, suggesting possible lapses in transparency. The source added that the quarrying activities allegedly take place at night and use backhoes owned by the municipal government, which have caused deep excavations in the area.
Ironically, locals said, the municipal government itself had earlier installed signage strictly prohibiting quarrying activities in the same area — now allegedly being violated by its own officials.
On September 20, tensions reportedly escalated when tribal members protested the continued quarrying in Sta. Emilia. They claimed that despite the quarry’s estimated value of around ₱20 million, the profits did not benefit the local tribe. They also alleged that the operation lacks both local permits and approval from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
One of the vocal stakeholders, Luchay Lim Lao, took to social media to criticize Mayor Libuangan, accusing him of “destroying the mountains without proper permits” and of profiting under the guise of farm-to-market road projects. Lao also alleged that the quarry had even covered parts of a nearby river.
“You cannot deny it because there’s evidence. You’ve brought shame to the Libuangan name,” Lao said in her post.
As of press time, Mayor Honeyboy Libuangan and the Municipal Government of Laak have yet to issue a statement responding to the allegations.
Environmental advocates and local leaders have since urged authorities, including the DENR, NCIP, and the Provincial Government of Davao de Oro, to investigate the matter thoroughly.
If proven, the alleged quarrying without necessary permits and FPIC could constitute violations of environmental and Indigenous Peoples’ rights laws — offenses that carry administrative and criminal penalties.