Toledo City quarrying: 2 caught, ₱1.5M worth of sand and gravel seized
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Two men arrested over an alleged illegal quarrying operation in Toledo City, Cebu remained detained as of Sunday, August 16, after authorities seized around ₱1.5 million worth of sand and gravel and equipment used to extract and haul the minerals.
The two suspects were arrested on Tuesday, August 11 in Sitio Curvada, Barangay Magdugo, Toledo City. Authorities allegedly caught them loading extracted sand and gravel into two mini dump trucks.
Personnel of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group Cebu Provincial Field Unit, Toledo City Police Station and 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company carried out the operation. They did so in coordination with the Cebu Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).
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Arrested in quarrying operation
The suspects are 36 and 47. The authorities said they were the drivers of the two vehicles used in the alleged extraction and hauling activity.
According to the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CPPO), the operation stemmed from information a concerned citizen had provided about quarrying along a river in Barangay Magdugo.
CIDG personnel checked the reported site before coordinating with Cebu PENRO and proceeding with the operation.
Authorities confiscated a Mitsubishi Canter mini dump truck loaded with about 2.5 cubic meters of sand. They also confiscated an Isuzu Elf mini dump truck carrying another approximately 2.5 cubic meters.
Four shovels were also seized.
The total value of the confiscated evidence was estimated at around ₱1.5 million.
Authorities said the quarrying activity had allegedly been repeatedly conducted in the area without any authority or permit.
Charges being prepared
The two men are facing possible charges for violating Republic Act No. 7942, or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Authorities informed both suspects of their rights and brought them to the CIDG Cebu Provincial Field Unit for booking and detention.
A Cebu PENRO enforcer and a Barangay Public Safety Officer of Barangay Magdugo witnessed the operation.
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