Suspension for eight large-scale quarry and 15 Industrial Sand and Gravel (ISAG) operations in Central Visayas were lifted after they were given clearance to operate by Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)– Central Office.

The lifting of the temporary ban came after large-scale quarry and ISAG operations were assessed for the safety and geohazard survey in its surrounding communities by a composite team of geologists and mining engineers of MGB Central Visayas Regional Office (MGB-7).

MGB-7 OIC Regional Director Efren B. Carido signed the lifting of the suspension following the clearance given by MGB Director Wilfredo B. Moncano.

Among those operations that were given a go-signal to operate are Solid Earth Development Corp. in San Fernando, Cebu; Dolomite Mining Corporation in Alcoy, Cebu; Bohol Limestone Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol; Lazi Bay Resources Development Inc. in Lazi, Siquijor; JLR Construction and Aggregates, Inc. in Cogon, City of Naga; Heirs of Arturo Zayco in Ayungon, Negros Oriental; and Republic Cement and Building Materials, Inc. in Danao City, Cebu.

Suspension of operations within the MPSA of Quarry Ventures Philippines Inc. is also lifted except for the operation in one parcel of its permit area.

MPSA is one of the three modes of mineral agreement between the government and a private individual or company for purposes of mining operation, as stipulated in Section 26 of RA 7942 or the Mining Act of the Philippines.

Large-scale quarry operations of Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC) in various MPSAs in the City of Naga are still suspended pending the on-going investigation of the MGB Central Office after a landslide happened within three of their MPSAs or permit areas in Sitio Tagaytay and Sindulan, Tinaan, City of Naga on September 20, 2018.

ISAG permits of WTG Construction and Development Corp. of Willy T. Go in Combado, Balamban, Cebu; Balamban Construction and Marine Services Ltd. Co of Ceilito T. Bardenas in Biasong, Balamban, Cebu; Stanley S. Chona in Liki and Cabagdalan, Balamban, Cebu; Annette J. Navarro in Liki, Balamban, Cebu; Gimar A. Besañes in Media Once in Toledo City, Cebu; Ma. Celeste L. Dolino in Dumlog, Toledo City, Cebu; Ophelio L. Dolino in Capitan Claudio, Toledo City; and Merriam Jane B. Dumadag in Cambang-ug, Toledo City, Arlene T. Borja in Biga, Toledo City, Cebu; Mervin R. Teo in Lagtang in General Climaco, Toledo City, Cebu; Humprey R. Benitez in General Climaco, Toledo City, Cebu; Willy U. Te’s Jute Rocks, Inc. in New Bago, Agbanga and Sta. Rita, Asturias, Cebu; Ceilito T. Bardenas in Sta. Rita, Asturias, Cebu; Anna B. Suba in Arpili, Balamban, Cebu; and Oliver Sobere Yu in Ayungon, Negros Oriental were also cleared for operation by MGB-7.

The 15-day suspension of all quarry operations in Regions I, III, IV-CALABARZON, V, VII, X, XI, and XIII was ordered by Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Roy A. Cimatu a day after the landslide incident in the City of Naga. In Central Visayas, a total of 26 large-scale quarry and ISAG operations were suspended at that time.

The lifting of the suspension is subject to the commitment of both the local government units and the quarry and ISAG operators to comply the recommendations of the composite technical team.