LAOAG CITY — Following the suspension of quarry activities at the Bolo River in the first district of Ilocos Norte, a special task force was formed to implement round-the-clock inspection, patrolling, and compliance monitoring of all activities at the river.
Florante Nicolas, information officer of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Ilocos Norte, said Tuesday the composite team shall be known as “Task Force Saluad Bolo”, which consists of representatives from the DENR-Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Norte Provincial Police Office (INPPO), Provincial Quarry Council (PQC), DENR-Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Bangui, Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Environmental Management Bureau, local government units as well as police stations of Pagudpud, Bangui, and Dumalneg.
“The joint special order will remain effective until the issued orders, notice of violations is lifted and when the river is rehabilitated,” said Nicolas.
A three-page Joint Special Order No. 1 series of 2018 states there is a need to rehabilitate the Bolo River system caused by unsystematic quarrying activities, particularly at the low-stream part which is considered as highly critical water source.
The special order was signed on Tuesday by DENR- Ilocos Norte officer-in-charge Victor Dabalos, INPPO Provincial Director Cesar Pasiwen, and PQC chairperson Erme Labayog.
Serving as the blood line of local communities, the Bolo River system traces its headwater from the virgin forests of Calanasan in Apayao province down to the river system of Adams as the mid-stream part and the towns of Pagudpud, Bangui and Dumalneg as the low-stream part.
It may be recalled that at least 14 quarry operators along the Bolo River covering the municipalities of Bangui, Dumalneg, Pagudpud were apprehended on May 16 for having insufficient permit to quarry.
As stated in the cease and desist order, said persons were given 72 hours upon receipt of the order to explain why they should not be charged with theft of minerals. (Leilanie Adriano/PNA)
