CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Authorities arrested four individuals and confiscated vehicles and quarry materials worth approximately ₱12 million during a joint anti-illegal quarrying operation conducted in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental on March 9, 2026.
The operation was carried out by the Task Force Kalikasan ug Kalinaw of Misamis Oriental, in coordination with the Provincial Local Environment and Natural Resources Office (PLENRO) of Misamis Oriental and the Laguindingan Municipal Police Station, according to a report from Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) based at Camp Alagar in Cagayan de Oro City.
Authorities identified the arrested suspects only by their aliases as “Nard,” “Rome,” and “Arcos,” all residents of Bukidnon, and “Jo,” a resident of Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental. Police said all four suspects are of legal age and married.
Seized Vehicles and Quarry Materials
During the operation, law enforcement personnel confiscated several heavy equipment and vehicles allegedly used in illegal quarrying activities.
Among the items seized were:
- One dump truck loaded with one cubic meter of gravel
- One Shackman dump truck carrying 16 cubic meters of sand and gravel
- Another red Shackman dump truck also loaded with 16 cubic meters of sand and gravel
- One Volvo backhoe believed to have been used in extracting quarry materials
Authorities estimated the combined value of the seized equipment and materials at ₱12,000,000.
Charges Filed
The arrested individuals are now facing charges for violation of Sangguniang Panlalawigan Ordinance No. 4014-2017, which regulates quarrying activities in the province and requires proper permits and compliance with environmental protection measures.
The case has been referred to PLENRO Misamis Oriental for proper disposition and further legal action.
Police Commend Operation
Police Brigadier General Christopher N. Abrahano, Regional Director of PRO-10, commended the operating units for the successful enforcement action.
“This successful operation highlights our firm commitment to protect the environment and ensure that our natural resources are utilized responsibly and legally,” Abrahano said.
He added that authorities will continue strengthening coordination with concerned government agencies to intensify the campaign against illegal quarrying and other environmental violations in Northern Mindanao.
Continued Environmental Enforcement
Authorities reiterated that illegal quarrying remains a serious concern because it can lead to environmental degradation, riverbank erosion, and increased flooding risks in nearby communities.
Law enforcement and environmental agencies vowed to sustain joint operations across the province to curb illegal extraction of sand, gravel, and other natural resources while ensuring that quarrying activities comply with existing environmental regulations.
Officials also urged the public to report suspected illegal quarrying operations to authorities to help protect the province’s natural resources and ecosystems.