By Alec Go
Seven individuals allegedly involved in illegal quarrying were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Angono, Rizal last Thursday, May 25.
They were identified as Bonbon Camanian, Marcial Bustamante, Jomar Marigondon, Ricky Buenaventura, Rustian Villamora, Richard Evangelista, and Rodel Pangilinan.
The arrest was conducted after the NBI Environmental Crime Division conducted operations in Barangay San Isidro following reports that certain individuals were doing unauthorized extracting and disposing of minerals.
A series of surveillance operations were also conducted to confirm the presence of quarrying activities in the area.
The NBI no quarry permits or transport and hauling permits were issued by the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board and Mines and Geosciences Bureau.
The seven individuals were presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the Provincial Prosecutor in Taytay, Rizal.
They may face charges for violating Section 103 of the Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. – gb
