TALAINGOD, Davao del Norte — Authorities seized two dump trucks and a payloader allegedly involved in illegal quarrying activities in Sitio Naseco, Barangay Sto. Niño, Talaingod, Davao del Norte, on the morning of August 12, 2026.
The equipment was intercepted during an operation conducted by the Mines Division of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) as part of the province’s intensified enforcement campaign against unauthorized quarrying.
According to the provincial government, the operation was carried out under the strengthened “No Permit, No Delivery Receipt, No Extraction” policy being enforced by the administration of Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib.
The provincial government said the equipment was owned by a government official. The official was not identified publicly, with Governor Jubahib saying the person’s identity was being withheld to protect the ongoing investigation.
“This is a warning to everyone that there will be no favoritism and no one will be spared. We will arrest anyone involved in illegal quarrying. Everyone engaged in quarrying must secure the proper extraction permit and delivery receipt,” Jubahib said.
The seizure underscores the provincial government’s continued enforcement of its quarrying regulations, particularly against operators extracting and transporting quarry materials without the required permits and documentation.
Under Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 2023-002, or the New Revenue Code of the Province of Davao del Norte, quarrying activities are subject to regulatory requirements and corresponding penalties. Section 142 provides that those caught transporting quarry materials without a delivery receipt may face a fine of ₱1,000 per cubic meter for the first offense, ₱2,000 per cubic meter for the second offense, and ₱3,000 per cubic meter for the third offense.
The ordinance also provides for the impounding of equipment and quarry materials when the corresponding penalties are not paid.
The provincial government emphasized that quarry-related collections—including permit fees, extraction taxes and other regulatory payments—are an important source of funds for public programs and services.
According to Jubahib, these revenues help augment funding for social services and development initiatives, including Oplan KKK, health services, the Zero Billing Program, road opening and other provincial projects.
The latest enforcement action forms part of the province’s broader effort to ensure that quarrying operations comply with permitting, taxation and environmental regulations. The seizure of the three pieces of heavy equipment also highlights the province’s position that regulatory requirements apply regardless of the identity or status of those involved.
Authorities are expected to continue investigating the circumstances surrounding the alleged illegal quarrying activity, including the ownership and use of the seized equipment and compliance with the required permits and delivery documentation.
The provincial government reiterated that quarry operators and transporters must secure the necessary permits and delivery receipts before extracting or moving quarry materials to avoid penalties and possible impoundment of equipment and materials.
The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against the unidentified official and other individuals who may be involved have yet to be resolved by the appropriate authorities.