AN ENVIRONMENTAL group urged authorities to expand investigation efforts on other areas of Tamugan River following the arrest of 13 individuals for alleged illegal quarrying on Tuesday.
Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) in a statement on Wednesday lauded the government for taking action against illegal operations and holding the individuals liable.
“However, we urge authorities to expand their efforts by investigating other areas along the Tamugan River,” it added.
IDIS stressed that the waterway, easements, and ridges of the Tamugan River up to the Davao River junction in Barangay Lower Tamugan are classified as a “Critical Watershed Zone” under the current Comprehensive Land Use Plan and Zoning Ordinance of the city.
This ordinance provides that commercial quarrying for sand and gravel, earthfill, or limestone in the area is strictly prohibited.
Quarrying causes detrimental effects, including altering the river’s natural characteristics, destroying habitats, and increasing pollution, which eventually affects and poses risks to the river.
The group also cited the amended Watershed Code, that only desilting activities are permitted within the city’s Critical Watershed Zones to “ensure minimal environmental impact.”
IDIS urged authorities to extend the efforts in other areas, as they received reports that several desilting operators are conducting activities without proper permits that threaten one of the city’s primary sources of drinking water.
The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) XI filed cases on Tuesday against 13 individuals for alleged illegal quarrying during an operation in Barangay Tamugan, Marilog District.
NBI XI spokesperson Elias Leaño said the suspects will face a charge under the Philippine Mining Act (Republic Act 7942) and Presidential Decree (PD) 1586.
The agency launched the operation upon the request of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, which noted the rampant illegal quarrying in the area.
