Go Unlimited with Magzter GOLD
Get unlimited access to 10,000+ magazines, newspapers and Premium stories for just
Try GOLD - Free
Teen killed in 'illegal' quarrying in Poro town
The Freeman
|October 28, 2025
What began as an ordinary workday for an 18-year-old boy ended in tragedy when he was fatally struck by a massive boulder during an alleged illegal quarrying operation in Barangay Cagcagan, Poro, on Friday afternoon, October 24, 2025.
The victim, identified as Jade Suralta, was working near a backhoe around 3 p.m. when loose rocks suddenly fell from a limestone wall, hitting him fatally. Witnesses said Suralta had his back turned from the excavator at the time of the accident, while three of his companions, who were facing the machine, managed to avoid the falling debris.
The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) immediately sent a team to the site to investigate. The team found that quarrying activities in the area had been ongoing without a valid permit since 2021.
According to PENRO chief Rodel Bontuyan, the only permit ever issued for that area was a Gratuitous Permit granted to the local government in August 2020, at the height of the pandemic.
The one-year permit allowed the extraction of limestone and other materials for LGU use, such as road construction and maintenance projects.
"That was the only permit issued in the area ever since. Wala nay renewal after that," Bontuyan said.
This story is from the October 28, 2025 edition of The Freeman.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM The Freeman
The Freeman
'Howie Severino Presents' podcast returns
GMA Integrated News' podcast Howie Severino Presents, hosted by award-winning journalist Howie Severino, returns with a new three-part special series titled “Online Invasion: The Secret Battle for Hearts, Minds, and Headlines.”
1 min
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
DILG directs infra audits among LGUs
As part of efforts to bolster preparedness for disasters, Local Government Units (LGUs) have been called upon by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to conduct comprehensive infrastructure audits on both public and private buildings within their jurisdictions.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
BSP sees inflation at 1.4-2.2% in October
Headline inflation may have eased year on year in October despite elevated prices of selected commodities and the peso’s recent weak performance, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said.
1 min
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
Council to gather over heavy equipment 'pull out' dispute
After being caught in a tense discussion, the Cebu City Council called for an executive session to thoroughly discuss the timeline and the circumstances behind the recall of three heavy equipment in Barangay Mabini, which had once been the subject of a dispute between Councilor Pastor Alcover and Mayor Nestor Archival. The executive session is set on Nov. 4.
2 mins
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
Suspect in slay of CIDG officer now in Cebu police custody
Central Visayas Police Regional Director, P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, said Manto fled to Metro Manila, after the incident, as there was a region-wide manhunt against him.
4 mins
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
Care, hospital visit ordinance for same-sex partners pushed
A legislator in Cebu City has filed an ordinance recognizing the right to care and hospital visitation rights of same-sex partners in hospitals and facilities within the city. It also aims to ensure their participation in decision-making in the absence of relatives.
2 mins
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
Springdale booters secure another crown
The PAREF Springdale Titans Team A edged past the Abellana National School (ANS), 1-0, to reign supreme in the 2nd Roncales Football Cup at the Dynamic Herb-Borromeo Sports Complex recently.
1 min
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
Bring Your Dream Halloween Costume to Life
It's Halloween once again, and before all the fun you're about to have at the parties comes the stressful part: putting together an awesome and unique costume that will blow everyone away.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
ICI bares Co’s kickback scheme
Resigned lawmaker Zaldy Co’s alleged kickback scheme did not occur solely during the secretive bicameral conference committee but, according to the Independent Commission for Infrastructure (ICI), started from the very beginning when the budget was proposed in the National Expenditure Program (NEP).
2 mins
October 31, 2025
The Freeman
Red-hot Jokic registers fourth straight triple-double as Nuggets rout Pelicans
Nikola Jokic bagged his fourth straight triple-double to start the NBA season to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 122-88 rout of the New Orleans Pelicans.
1 mins
October 31, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size