THE Cebu City Government is cracking down on unauthorized quarrying and earth-moving activities in several upland villages. The City Legal Office (CLO) is urgently asking the local mining board to stop these high-risk operations to protect residents from potential landslides.
Danger in the uplands
On March 2, 2026, the CLO officially asked the Cebu City Mining Regulatory Board (CCMRB) to take action. They want to issue cease and desist orders (CDOs) to stop three alleged violators.
These groups are digging in landslide-prone areas like Barangays Binaliw and Budlaan. These activities break the rules of Executive Order 13, also known as "Oplan Likay sa Landslide." This important rule specifically stops quarrying in 30 upland barangays to keep communities safe. The operations must also be reviewed for compliance with City Ordinances 2115 and 2623.
Who is breaking the rules?
Inspectors from the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) found several companies operating without permission.
In Binaliw, an inspection on Feb. 12 showed Powerplus Aggregate Systems Co. Ltd. lowering road levels and hauling dirt in hilly areas. The heavy vehicle traffic and deep road cuts raise serious concerns about possible landslides.
At the Rosch Enterprises property in Budlaan, drones spotted heavy equipment and active quarrying on Feb. 13 and 23. Inspectors even found a hollow block-making facility on the site, suggesting the dug-up materials were being processed for commercial use. Trees were also cut down without the required permits.
Power lines and damaged roads at risk
Another major danger was found at the Suico property in Budlaan. Earth-moving operations there are dangerously close to the base of a National Grid Corp. of the Philippines power line tower. This digging could weaken the ground and cause the massive tower to fall.
Drone inspections confirmed ongoing quarrying and tree cutting at the Suico site in violation of environmental laws. Concerned citizens also reported that these operations contributed to road damage following Typhoon Tino.
City Council demands action
The CLO also confirmed that the City Council passed several resolutions on Feb. 10 to stop other illegal projects. They are targeting earth-moving tied to subdivisions and construction in Barangays Binaliw, Buhisan, and Budlaan.
The council is looking to stop San Lorenza Development Corp. at Woodlands Subdivision, JT Ayne Constructions at Sitio Kainsikan, and PLD Construction and Development Inc. at the proposed Villa Montana project.
In Barangay Buhisan, the council endorsed a similar order against hauling activities at the Hallay’s Ville project.
Stopping these unauthorized activities is critical to keeping Cebu City's upland communities safe from environmental disasters. As officials push for immediate CDOs, the goal is to shut down these dangerous operations before they cause irreversible damage to the land and the people who live there. / EHP