Occidental Mindoro Gov. Eduardo B. Gadiano has ordered the immediate suspension of river restoration dredging operations along Tubili River in Paluan town, citing permit violations and excessive extraction of quarry materials.

The cease and desist order, issued Sept. 4, 2025 against R.V. Laborte Builders, is the latest crackdown on unpermitted dredging activities that have spawned environmental fears across Mindoro provinces this yeat

“Your company is operating and conducting river restoration through dredging activities in Tubili River, Municipality of Paluan, Occidental Mindoro without the pertinent business permit from the Local Government Unit of Paluan,” Gadiano wrote in his order to company owner Reynaldo V. Laborte Jr.

The provincial government also determined that the company had extracted quarry materials beyond the maximum volume allowed under its existing government permits and clearances.

Copies of Thursday’s order were sent to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau for additional oversight and enforcement action.

The notice to proceed previously issued to R.V. Laborte Builders has been revoked pending compliance with local permit requirements.

Gadiano said that the provincial government will not tolerate operations conducted without proper permits.

The governor’s office requires companies to demonstrate full compliance with local and national environmental standards before conducting any extraction or restoration projects.

The suspension comes as dredging operations across both Mindoro provinces have faced mounting opposition from environmental groups and residents who cite threats to marine ecosystems and coastal areas.

In July 2025, Oriental Mindoro’s provincial board halted sand dredging operations over environmental issues, while LGU officials have called for comprehensive review of problematic dredging contracts.

Gov. Gadiano’s action follows a pattern of enforcement this year.

In April 2025, Gadiano temporarily halted sand-dredging operations in coastal waters after a ship sinking incident, and subsequent suspensions were issued after complaints about companies operating near residential areas.

The Tubili River operation was positioned as a restoration project, but Gadiano has stressed that companies must secure all required permits regardless of the proclaimed environmental benefits of their work.