Baricuatro tightens quarry rules, creates task force

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has created a new task force aimed at tightening the rules and enforcement of mineral extraction and transport across the province.

Signed on March 31, Executive Order No. 23 establishes the “Cebu Provincial Minerals Task Force” to implement Provincial Ordinance No. 2024-02, which amends the 2008 Revenue Code of the Province of Cebu.

The measure targets illegal extraction, ensures proper documentation, and strengthens environmental safeguards at ports, quarries, and along transport routes.

The task force will be headed by the governor or her authorized representative, with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer as deputy.

Members include the provincial legal officer, the Cebu Provincial Police Office director, the Philippine Coast Guard Cebu commander, the Cebu Port Authority general manager, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Central Visayas director, and representatives from local government unit-managed ports, private port operators, and vessel operators transporting minerals.

Its mandate covers the monitoring of extraction, processing, transport, and disposition of quarry, sand, gravel, and other minerals.

Checkpoints and mobile enforcement teams will be deployed, and personnel from member agencies mobilized to ensure compliance.

Violators can be arrested, and equipment or mineral products confiscated. Confiscated items must be delivered to designated authorities, with release only permitted through a signed order from the governor.

The order also implements stricter rules on minerals entering Cebu ports. Each shipment must be accompanied by a valid Transport Slip from the province and accreditation from the governor for dealers, operators, or contractors.

City and municipal officials, together with police, will inspect every shipment, stamp the transport slip as used, and record the date and time.

Port authorities, local governments, and enforcement agencies will coordinate to prevent unauthorized unloading.

The task force aligns with Cebu’s obligations under the Local Government Code of 1991, which empowers provinces to enforce small-scale mining laws and ensure environmental protection under national supervision.

In her order, Baricuatro emphasized that the initiative seeks to preserve environmental integrity, reduce hazards to life and property, and improve transparency in Cebu’s mineral operations.

In an interview on Wednesday, April 8, Penro Head Rodel Bontuyan, whose office serves as deputy to the task force, said the executive order primarily strengthens coordination among agencies involved in regulating mineral movements, particularly those coming from outside Cebu.

“Kung tan-awon nato ang kining EO nga nigawas, it will strengthen coordination between the agencies members sa task force," he said.

He added that more agencies are now involved, which the province can partner with to properly regulate the movement of minerals.(MyTVCebu)