THE village chief of Laga-an Calatrava town confirmed that he has stopped an alleged illegal quarry operation in the area.

Barangay captain Vicente Maquiller said the operation started last Saturday when several truckloads were spotted in the area carrying filling materials.

Maquiller immediately ordered the quarrying to stop last Sunday and an argument took place between the village chief and the alleged quarry operator.

In a press conference after meeting with officials from the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office and the Provincial Legal Office Thursday afternoon, April 11, Maquiller said he is determined to file charges against the operator for illegally and unlawfully extracting filling materials in his community.

Maquiller pointed out that the area was a "government protected area" and is under the Protected Area Management Board (Pamb).

The village chief said Cogonon allegedly does not have quarry permits from Pamb, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Municipal Council, and from his barangay.

The matter has also been forwarded to Provincial Government officials and the town's local police.