DENR cracks whip vs illegal Angono quarrying

Environmental authorities seized more than P133 million worth of equipment and materials following a crackdown on illegal quarrying in Rizal province. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) disclosed that the 20 January operation in Barangay San Isidro targeted unauthorized mineral extraction within the Village East II Residential Subdivision Project.

While the project holds some permits, surveillance conducted by provincial and regional enforcement units revealed quarrying activities that exceeded legal authorizations.

Investigators observed mobile crushers in operation and the hauling of materials to a dump site near a recovery facility along the Taytay–Angono Road in Barangay Kalayaan.

“Enforcement personnel confirmed the existence of illegal mineral extraction activities and apprehended several individuals operating heavy equipment,” the DENR said in a statement.

The Mines and Geosciences Bureau inventoried the seized assets, which included heavy machinery, trucks, mobile crushers, and large volumes of stockpiled and processed aggregates. The total value of the seized items is estimated at P133.5 million and the equipment remains in DENR custody at the project site.

The raid was a joint effort between the DENR, the National Bureau of Investigation-Rizal, and several environmental bureaus. Following the operation, the Environmental Management Bureau for the Calabarzon region issued a cease-and-desist order, requiring developers to halt all activities and submit compliance reports.

Authorities have filed an inquest case against company officers and operators. The respondents face charges of mineral theft under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, which penalizes the unauthorized extraction and disposal of mineral resources.

The crackdown followed reports of illegal activity at the site beginning in mid-2025, which were later validated by subsequent monitoring and enforcement actions.