Cimatu suspends quarrying operations near Mayon Volcano

November 2, 2020

Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu ordered on Monday the suspension of the quarrying operations of some 12 operators in Albay after four people died when lahar and aggregates flowed from the Mayon Volcano.

Cimatu reported this during the meeting which President Rodrigo Duterte presided following his return to Manila from Davao City.

"I directed the suspension of 11 or 12 operators, suspending all quarrying operations," he said, adding that investigation would also be done to find out if they violated environmental laws. Cimatu did not name the companies

He said if there would be any culpability, he would order the closure of the quarrying operations.

Cimatu said that he was informed that the quarrying operators left their stockpile on the middle of the river, thus, causing the water to overflow during the height of Super Typhoon "Rolly" on Sunday.

Cimatu's order came after Duterte's visit to Guinobatan, Albay and received complaints from residents about quarrying operations in their area. Celerina Monte/DMS