THE Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) is not letting their guard down against illegal quarry operations in Misamis Oriental.

Governor Yevgeny Emano has ordered the Penro to be alert and promptly act on complaints on illegal quarrying and illegal mining of gold and other minerals in the mountainside.

Emano said all reports regarding these operations must be acted and addressed immediately to prevent damage and destruction of the environment.

Penro is tapping the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in keeping watch and confronting illegal quarry operators.

Personnel of Penro has recently flagged down and seized a vehicle loaded with sand with no proper documents in Naawan town.

The owner was ordered to unload the sand and made to pay penalty for the violation.

Penro head Prisco Valmoria said their office is following guidelines and regulations regarding proper quarrying in the hinterlands.

Environmental protection is among the eight pillars of governance of the Emano administration.