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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider DENR closes illegal mining site near Mount Apo

DENR closes illegal mining site near Mount Apo

Published Dec 9, 2020 03:45 pm

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu has ordered the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Region 12 (Socsargen) to immediately close down an illegal small-scale mining operation near Mount Apo Natural Park in Magpet, Cotabato.

Environment Secretary Roy A. Cimatu (RTVM / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

The mining site, which is located just 10 kilometers away from the Mount Apo Natural Park, has not been declared a "minahang bayan" or a common area where small-scale miners are allowed to operate, the DENR said.

"Whether big or small, any illegal mining activity will have to stop," Cimatu said.

The DENR chief also ordered the filing of charges against those behind the illegal mining activity.

Cimatu’s directive was an offshoot of a joint operation conducted by DENR, MGB, local government of Cotabato, and Armed Forces of the Philippines in Barangay Don Panaca on Dec. 7.

Acting on a tipoff, the team raided the area and discovered a five-meter tunnel indicating that the mining operation was still in its early stage.

Inside the tunnel, the team discovered around 25 sacks, each containing approximately 90 kilograms of ore.

Another sack beside the tunnel was seen on Balingos River.

DENR-MGB Socsargen Director Felizardo Gacad Jr. said a cease-and-desist order will be issued against the illegal mining operation, while criminal charges are being readied against the illegal miners and their financiers.

He cited records from the Provincial Mining Regulatory Board of Cotabato and MGB-Region 12 showing that there is neither a declared minahang bayan in the municipality of Magpet nor in the province of Cotabato, which means the operation is illegal.

According to a report prepared by the MGB-Region 12, there was no ongoing mining activity or operation at the time of the raid, but signs of recent extraction were observed.

The report also noted that there was also no heavy mining equipment found in the area, although three shovels and one metal bar were seen outside the tunnel which indicated that the operations were done manually.

The DENR pointed out that the mining operation was a clear violation of Republic Act 7942 or the Philippine Mining Act of 1995, as well as RA 7076 or the Peoples Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991.

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