Posted on October 29, 2025
CEBU, Philippines — More than 200 individuals engaged in illegal sand and gravel extraction along the Hinulawan River in Toledo City have been ordered to cease operations after a recent inspection revealed widespread environmental damage caused by unregulated quarrying.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) confirmed that the discovery followed Governor Pamela Baricuatro’s unannounced inspection of the area on Friday, October 24.
The visit came in response to mounting complaints from residents and environmental groups over the worsening state of the river.
PENRO head Rodel Bontuyan said the inspection revealed that hundreds of individuals have been manually extracting sand and gravel along various sections of the Hinulawan River, spanning several barangays including Dumlog, Sangi, Ilihan, Canlumampao, Magdugo (Juan Climaco Sr.), and Cambang-ug.
According to Bontuyan, the river stretches from Carmen Copper Mine down to the Tañon Strait, making it naturally rich in sediment deposits.
However, he noted that much of the material being gathered comes from mine waste carried downstream, which has made the area a hotspot for quarrying activities.
“There’s a lot of sand there. Some have permits, but most of it is done manually,” Bontuyan explained.
He added that while some barangays such as Dumlog and Magdugo have authorized permits from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Province of Cebu, many individuals operate without legal documents.
“The problem is, some people extract water from anywhere. That’s why the river is ruined,” he added.
Bontuyan emphasized that while the province recognizes quarrying as a source of livelihood for many residents, it cannot be done indiscriminately.
“But if there is a permit, they are bound to comply with that methodology of scientific extraction. These people, who are just wandering around, are at great risk,” he said.
Baricuatro has since ordered the deployment of security personnel and the establishment of outposts along key points of the river to monitor compliance and deter illegal activities.
The province has also begun identifying alternative livelihood options for the affected quarry workers.
“Gov talked about taking care of the livelihood of these people,” he noted, acknowledging that most of those involved rely on river quarrying as their only source of income.
During the inspection, several residents reportedly pleaded for leniency, arguing that they only use small vehicles and manual tools compared to large-scale haulers.
However, officials maintained that the lack of permit still constitutes an illegal act, regardless of scale.
The provincial government is also now assessing the construction of a footbridge across the river, following appeals from locals who struggle to cross during floods.
Baricuatro’s inspection came days after residents from Toledo marched to the Capitol to submit a petition urging the provincial government to act on the environmental and safety threats posed by continued quarrying.
The Sapangdaku River Community Stakeholders Association, Inc. and the Lamintak Norte Farmer-Beneficiaries Association warned that the river has significantly widened and deepened over time, endangering the lives of those who cross it daily in the absence of a bridge.
