Bulacan Gov. Daniel R. Fernando said the temporary ban on mining activities is still being enforced in the province.
The governor made the announcement during the special tribute dubbed “Salamat at Paalam... Bayaning Tagapagligtas! Luksang Parangal para sa mga Yumaong Lingkod Bayan” that was held at Capitol Gymnasium in the City of Malolos on Friday, Sept. 30.
In his speech before thousands of people, Gov. Fernando said that it is high time to take care and save the environment by prohibiting the quarrying and mining in the province as of this time.
"Sa mga illegal na aktibidad as ating lalawigan, hindi ko po ito papayagan. Subalit may mga matitigas pa rin and ulo. Kumita lamang ng pera, hindi baleng wasakin ang Inang Kalikasan. Pasensya na po kayo, alam kong lahat kailangan ng pera, pero tandaan natin, man cannot live by bread alone -- tigilan na natin ang sobrang paninira ng ating Inang kalikasan," (I will not allow all illegal activities in our province. But there are still hard-headed people. Just to earn money, it does not matter if they destroy the Mother Earth. Sorry, I know all of us needs money, but remember man cannot live by bread alone -- let us stop overly damaging our Mother Earth)," Fernando said.
The Bulacan governor issued Executive Order (EO) No. 21 last Aug. 26 mandating the temporary suspension of all mining permits, quarrying, dredging, desilting, and other types of mineral extractive operations within the province of Bulacan.
He said violators of the EO shall pay a fine of P5,000 per violation and face imprisonment of not less than six months but not to exceed one year, and the permits of the miners will also be revoked.
Fernando said the temporary ban was ordered due to the deterioration of roads brought by transport of land minerals and other commodities.
He urged the people to do their part in protecting the environment to prevent loss of more lives.
“Dakilain natin ang pagbubuwis ng buhay ng ating limang bayani sa pamamagitan ng pagyakap sa tunay na kalagayan ng ating kalikasan," (Let us dignify the sacrifice of our five heroes by embracing the real situation of our environment)," the governor said.
He said rescuers George Agustin, Marby Martolome, Narciso Calayag Jr, Tro Justin Agustin, and Jerson Resureccion were hailed as heroes for their service.
Rescuers from different provinces and cities in the country attended the special tribute to pay their last respects to their fallen colleagues.