Iloilo mayor says he has yet to see Ombudsman complaint over illegal quarrying
By Tara Yap
GARIN (Miag-ao PIO)
ILOILO CITY — Mayor Richard Garin of Miag-ao, Iloilo has not seen the complaint filed before the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas for alleged illegal quarrying.
“I have not seen the complaint, so indi pa kita maka comment. Let’s just wait,” said Garin on Monday, July 13.
Last week, Salvador Acsay Jr. disclosed he filed a complaint before the Ombudsman for alleged violation of Republic Act No. 7942 or Philippine Mining Act of 1995.
Garin was charged as mayor with municipal employees Larry Munion, Ronilo Namo, and Isidro Mosura.
Acsay said he personally witnessed the alleged illegal extraction of sand and gravel by the local government unit (LGU) of Miag-ao from the Tumagbok River last June 11 to 12 and June 15 to 20.
Acsay said the extraction and transportation of sand and gravel by three trucks of Miag-ao LGU did not have permits issued by the provincial government and Natural Resources Office (PGENRO) of the Iloilo provincial government.
Acsay denied the Ombudsman complaint was politically motivated.
“This is not about politics. It is a national law that is being violated by the LGU,” Acsay said in a phone interview.
Acsay said there were police deployed during the extraction operations but did not do anything.
He claimed Garin ordered the operations and extracted materials will be used for the construction of an access road.
Garin said Acsay also filed a complaint before the Ombudsman against the Responsableng Ginikanan Academy (RGA) program of the Miag-ao LGU.
“I don’t think he is the proper party for that complaint because he is not a parent of a learner. He has no justiciable interest,” Garin said. “Never judge someone's character based on the words of another,” Garin added.