Defensor orders investigation on quarrying in Barotac Viejo
Iloilo Gov. Arthur Defensor Sr. has ordered the creation of a fact-finding committee that will investigate the quarry operations near the foot of Mount Angas in Sitio Taras, Brgy. Natividad in Barotac Viejo.
The committee headed by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office chief Soledad Sucaldito has been tasked to conduct an ocular inspection to verify the complaints of the residents.
Around 15 residents met with Defensor yesterday to bring their plight to his attention.
The group asked the governor to stop the quarrying and extraction of soil on the three-hectare lot owned by Ana Liza Miranda-Taylor covered by a permit issued on Nov. 24, 2009.
Raymundo Hiceta, one of the complainants, said the quarrying activity destroyed the farm-to-market road they are using to transport their agricultural produce.
He said they also fear the continued quarrying would bring about flashfloods which could affect around 200 residents.
Since the quarrying activity started last year, their farm lands get submerged in water during heavy rains.
Aside from destroying their livelihood, the quarrying activity is also endangering their lives, Hiceta said.
“We should not let somebody die before we take action on this problem,” Hiceta said in Hiligaynon.
Quarry Permit
In Defensor’s previous term, an ordinance was passed providing that a quarry operation will not be allowed if the residents have not been informed or consulted about the operation.
However, during the administration of former Gov. Niel Tupas Sr., the ordinance was amended and the consultation requirement was dropped.
Defensor admitted that the quarry operation in Barotac Viejo operated by Miranda-Taylor of Brgy. Sambag, Jaro, Iloilo City has an existing permit issued by the previous administration.
Now, the governor wants to know the possible violations of such quarry operation.
“We do not know if the volume of quarry they have been allowed (to mine) was already consumed or if they have violated other things. If they have violations, they have to answer for it,” he said.
‘Hidden Treasure’
Some residents who refused to be named said Mount Angas has a hidden treasure, based on the stories of their ancestors.
This maybe the reason why quarrying is ongoing in the mountain, they said.*MGC
