Cebu City Intensifies Crackdown on Illegal Quarrying to Mitigate Landslide Threats
Cebu City authorities are ramping up enforcement measures to halt unauthorized quarrying and earth-moving operations in upland barangays, driven by escalating concerns over landslide risks and environmental degradation. The Cebu City Legal Office has formally urged the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board to address three high-risk cases identified through investigations by the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office. These activities are in direct violation of Executive Order 13, commonly referred to as "Oplan Likay sa Landslide," along with local ordinances crafted to safeguard disaster-prone zones.
Why Cebu City Is Taking Action Against Quarrying Operations
Several upland barangays are deemed highly susceptible to landslides, particularly during periods of intense rainfall. To counteract this peril, the city enacted Executive Order 13, which suspends all quarrying and earth-moving activities across 30 upland barangays. Originally issued under former mayor Michael Rama in 2022, this directive aims to prevent excavations that could compromise hillside integrity or destabilize slopes. Quarrying and road-cutting practices have been shown to loosen soil and strip away natural barriers essential for land stability, thereby heightening the likelihood of landslides that endanger homes, infrastructure, and roadways. Consequently, city officials mandate rigorous permitting and continuous monitoring for any excavation or construction work in these elevated regions.
Inspections Uncover Widespread Violations
Following reports from vigilant citizens, the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office launched comprehensive investigations into multiple sites. In Barangay Binaliw, inspectors targeted Powerplus Aggregate Systems Co. Ltd., uncovering unauthorized road level reductions and material hauling without requisite permits. A February 12, 2026 inspection verified vehicle traffic and road cuts in hilly terrain, sparking alarms that such activities could precipitate landslides.
In Barangay Budlaan, drone and ground inspections conducted on February 13 and 23 at a property associated with Rosch Enterprises revealed active quarrying with heavy machinery in use. Investigators also documented a hollow block-making facility on-site, indicating that extracted materials were being processed for commercial purposes. Additionally, officials noted instances of unauthorized tree cutting.
Another site in Budlaan, known as the Suico property, raised further concerns. Inspectors discovered earth-moving operations near the foundation of a National Grid Corp. of the Philippines power line tower, with warnings that excavation could undermine the tower's stability. Drone footage corroborated quarrying and tree cutting activities at this location.
Legal Proceedings and Enforcement Measures
Based on these findings, the Cebu City Environment and Natural Resources Office recommended that city officials issue cease and desist orders to halt the operations. The Cebu City Legal Office endorsed this recommendation and formally referred the cases to the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board through second endorsements dated March 2. The legal office asserted that the reported activities breach Executive Order 13 and may also contravene City Ordinances 2115, which regulates mining, and 2623, which governs tree cutting and removal. Should the regulatory board concur with the recommendation, it possesses the authority to mandate operators to immediately stop excavation, hauling, or related work.
Additional Projects Flagged by the City Council
The scope of the issue extends beyond the three primary quarrying cases. In separate correspondence dated March 2, the Cebu City Legal Office acknowledged receiving City Council resolutions advocating for cease and desist orders against six projects previously flagged by the environment office. The council approved these resolutions on February 10.
One such project involves San Lorenza Development Corp. in Barangay Binaliw, where officials have recommended halting earth-moving activities at San Lorenzo Village, also known as Woodlands Subdivision. Other resolutions target alleged illegal earth-moving by JT Ayne Constructions at Sitio Kainsikan in Binaliw and excavation by PLD Construction and Development Inc. at the proposed Villa Montana subdivision.
In Barangay Buhisan, the council endorsed action against hauling activities linked to the proposed Hallay's Ville project. Authorities also cited quarrying and hauling on the Suico property in Barangay Budlaan, following reports that these operations contributed to road damage in the aftermath of Typhoon Tino.
Potential Outcomes and Next Steps
The Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board now holds the responsibility to review the investigative reports and decide whether to issue cease and desist orders. If violations are confirmed, companies and property operators could face immediate operational shutdowns. Authorities may also pursue additional enforcement actions under city ordinances and broader environmental legislation to ensure compliance and protect public safety.
