The Cebu Provincial Government has issued a cease-and-desist order against Apo Land and Quarry Corporation (ALQC), directing it to stop all “earth-moving operations” within its Mineral Production and Sharing Agreement (MPSA) areas in the City of Naga.
The directive is contained in Gov. Gwen Garcia’s Executive Order No. 22 series of 2024 which also mandates ALQC to cooperate in the conduct of an environmental audit, comprehensive area risk assessment, and the determination of the carrying capacity of the MPSA areas.
“Ni-issue ko kaganeha og cease and desist order. Undang kamo dayon, bisan pag ikiha ko ninyo, kay nagtan-aw ta, nahitabo na ni, wala pa gyod ta makakat-on sa atong leksyon,” Gov. Garcia said during the Caravan of Services in Malabuyoc on December 2.
The Governor was a few hours late for the Caravan as she had to meet at the Capitol with DENR region 7 executive director Paquito Melicor, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB 7) director Armando Malicse, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB 7) director Ma. Victoria Abrera; as well as ALQC quarry operations superintendent William Melano Jr. and CEMEX Operations Country Head Luis Franco.
ALQC is CEMEX Philippines’ principal supplier of limestone, clay and greywacke which are raw materials for cement production of its plant based in the same southern city of the province.
MPSA is a contract between the government and a mining operator, granting the latter the right to explore, develop, and utilize mineral resources in exchange for a share of production profits. Operators are required to adhere to stringent environmental and safety standards as stipulated under the Philippine Mining Act of 1995. EO 22 — which takes effect today, December 3 — was issued after it was found out that the continuing operation of ALQC is an “apparent disregard” of the safety of inhabitants living within or near the said MPSA areas.
“Nakit-an na nato nga mao gayud diay hinungdan. Og dili ako mohimo og lakang, kinsa may modepensa aning mga tawhana intawn nagpuyo — kapin tingale diyes mil, dose mil ka tawo — ang manga-igo og posible nga mahimong biktima na usab?” Gov. Garcia said.
A landslide in 2018 devastated parts of Barangay Tinaan, City of Naga within the MPSA area of ALQC. It resulted in at least 77 deaths and the destruction of several homes, with several missing individuals to this day. Despite this tragedy, recent activities in ALQC’s MPSA areas have reportedly disregarded the safety of those living near the sites.
The provincial government stressed the importance of prioritizing lives and the environment over business interests. “Dili ako motugot niana. Not on my watch as I am Governor of Cebu. Panalipdan gyod ni nako ang tanang mga Sugboanon,” she added.
The City Government of Naga, the police, DENR, MGB, and EMB have been tasked to enforce the order. ALQC is also required to cooperate fully during the audit and risk assessment process, which will determine if the area can safely support quarry operations.
“Gikinahanglan ni nga buksan og usab kay akoy nahadlok sa daghan kaayo pa nga mga komunidad nga naa nahasulod sa ilang MPSA,” Gov. Garcia said. | 𝘉𝘑𝘙