Illegal Quarrying in Rizal: Risks and Regulations

Recurring operations raise landslide risks in vulnerable areas.

An illegal quarry site in Baras, Rizal, has once again drawn environmental concern after authorities confirmed ongoing mineral extraction without proper authorization.

Rizal has seen repeated illegal quarrying cases in recent years, prompting recurring enforcement operations by authorities, including crackdowns in parts of Angono and Baras.

The National Bureau of Investigation said the activity in Barangay San Salvador continued despite the absence of a required quarry permit from local regulators, including the Provincial Mining and Regulatory Board and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Authorities seized two backhoes and a mini dump truck, suggesting the operation had already expanded to a significant scale before being intercepted. The suspects behind the activity have been apprehended.

Unregulated quarrying remains a persistent concern in vulnerable areas, where unchecked extraction can weaken soil stability, trigger erosion, and heighten landslide risks, especially during heavy rainfall.

Illegal quarrying has been flagged in Rizal—again, with the NBI seizing heavy equipment in Baras. Discover why these unlicensed operations pose a major landslide threat to the province.

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How to spot and report illegal quarrying

Look for the billboard. Legitimate quarry sites are required by law to display a project billboard at the entrance, detailing their permit number, the operator's name, and the duration of the permit. If there's no sign, it's likely a red flag.

Monitor water quality. If the local stream or river suddenly turns chocolate-brown during light rain, it’s a sign of heavy siltation upstream—often caused by illegal digging and a lack of siltation ponds.

Check operating hours. Many illegal quarries operate at night or during the "dead hours" of the afternoon to avoid the prying eyes of regulators. Persistent heavy machinery noise during odd hours in forest zones should be reported.

Report illegal quarrying to DENR-Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) or through the 8888 Citizens' Complaint Center.