A court in Naga City ordered a halt to quarrying activities in Barangay Guindarohan, Minglanilla, Cebu after residents raised concerns over ground cracks and possible landslide risks in their community.
The Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 76 issued a 72-hour ex-parte Temporary Environmental Protection Order (TEPO) against JOMARA Konstruckt Corporation and JOMARA Agri Foods and Supply Corporation, directing them to cease and desist from quarrying, excavation, and removal of soil, rocks, sand, gravel, and other materials in the area.
Residents of Sitio Napo and nearby areas filed a citizen suit and asked the court to act for themselves and for minors and generations yet unborn.
They reported ground cracks and excavation activities that they linked to the displacement of families in the area.
Court records showed that residents documented cracks near homes, community areas, and project sites in Barangay Guindarohan.
The petition cited geohazard reports that found soil movement, slope instability, and landslide risk in the area.
The court cited earlier government assessments that recorded cracks of varying size and depth near residential zones and infrastructure.
The reports linked continued excavation and heavy equipment operations to slope instability, especially during rainfall and earthquakes.
The court said families in the area, including children and elderly residents, face a risk of landslide and harm if quarrying continues.
The TEPO bars the companies from quarrying, excavation, land clearing, tree cutting, motor pool operations, and any construction or expansion activities in the affected site.
It also stops any activity that may destabilize the slope or affect nearby communities.
The court set a summary hearing on May 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. before RTC Branch 76 in Naga City.
The hearing will determine whether the court will extend the order while the citizen suit continues.
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