By Nycel Jane Dela & Edalyn Acta
Maayon Mayor Raymond “Mon-Mon” Malapajo denied any illegal quarrying in Barangay Batabat.
“Wala ako nakit-an nga naga quarry. Land leveling lang ang ginapatigayon (I didn’t see any quarrying. What is done is only land leveling),” Malapajo explained in an interview with The Capiz Times.
The mayor, who personally inspected the area, clarified that the debris from the leveling work would indeed be transported.
But transporting would require quarry operator Robert Espina to secure the proper permits.
So far, Espina’s firm has already obtained a municipal-level approval through a resolution passed by the Sangguniang Bayan.
Barangay officials of Batabat separately issued a resolution and No Objection letter.
Prior to the issuance of barangay resolution, a public hearing was held for residents. Malapajo pointed out that photos and signatures from attendees proved that locals agreed to it.
Despite the SB and barangay resolutions, Malapajo emphasized that it is not the final step. The application must be endorsed to the provincial level through the Capiz Environment and Natural Resources Office (CaPENRO). Only then will it fully meet the legal standards.
