APO Land and Quarry Corp. (ALQC) intends to fully comply with the Cease and Desist Order of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be able to ensure the safety of the general public. With years of experience in mining, ALQC has demonstrated its increasing commitment to safety in quarrying operations and utmost dedication to its impact communities. Thus, in accordance with the directive of the DENR, ALQC will temporarily cease its operations and exert efforts at helping normalize the situation in affected areas. The company will also cooperate with government investigation that may be conducted in relation to this incident.
ALQC met with the DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu and Naga City Mayor Kristine Chiong today and agreed to continue providing rescue and emergency response support; care facilities; and logistics assistance in order to ensure the welfare of families and individuals still in Sitio Sindulan landslide site. ALQC opened an evacuation facility in its gymnasium that currently houses around 300 individuals. The company continues to send food, water, medicines, sleeping mats, and necessary supplies and provisions to those directly affected by the calamity. ALQC has also established a care fund to financially assist families who lost their loved ones, as well as those who were injured during the unfortunate incident.
In coordination with the Naga City Government and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, ALQC likewise committed to support the medium and long term plans of the City to address the present situation which include the creation of a slope stabilization plan that will be submitted to the MGB for proper implementation and execution. The company also intends to support plans of both Provincial and City Governments for the development of a permanent relocation site for the benefit of its constituents in the future. Supporting this vision of said government agencies will ensure safer homes for more families in Naga City.
ALQC is one with Naga in this very trying time and will remain fully committed to preserve safety and promote the general welfare of the community.--Chito Maniago, Representative, Apo Land And Quarry Corp.