NBI arrests, files charges vs 6 persons for 'illegal quarrying' in Bataan
Six persons have been arrested and charged before the prosecutor’s office by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) with alleged illegal quarrying in Hermosa, Bataan.
The NBI identified them as Domingo M. Leal, Saldy A. Adelantar, Rio Y. Bueno, Mark Anthony C. Santos, Arjay C. Mamalateo, and Christopher D. Alba who are workers of MaxPhil World Management Development, Inc.
They were charged before the Bataan provincial prosecutor’s office with illegal quarrying or mining punishable under Section 103 of Republic Act No. 7942, the Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
The NBI said its Environmental Crimes Division (NBI-EnCD) received information on rampant illegal mining/quarrying activities conducted by certain individuals in Barangay Maambog in Hermosa town.
It said the individuals were extracting and disposing minerals without the necessary permit from the Bataan Provincial Mining Regulatory Board and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region III (DENR-MGB-Region III).
Acting on the information, NBI-EnCD requested for an updated list of Mining/Quarrying Permits, Industrial/Commercial/Sand and Gravel Permits with the MGB-Region III. Surveillance was also conducted to verify the information.
The NBI said that on Feb. 15, 2024, operatives of the NBI-EnCD with representatives from DENR-MGB hatched an entrapment operation against MaxPhil.
The operation, it said, resulted in the arrest of the six persons in the act of extracting earth backfill materials/minerals in the area of Barangay Maambog without necessary permits from DENR-MGB Region III.
It also said the operation resulted in the seizure of trucks and backhoes which were turned over to the barangay captain of Maambog.
A cease-and-desist order was immediately issued against Maxphil by the DENR.