Firm seeks reversal of MGB order releasing ore shipment

A Cebu-based mining firm has asked for reconsideration over the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau’s order releasing a barge containing at least 3,500 tons of ore from Mindanao that was earlier seized in Getafe, Bohol.

The shipment, which was subject of court litigation in Zamboanga del Sur, was believed to have been illegally spirited out.

Benito Aratea, of the Cebu Ore Mining and Mineral Resources, questioned the MGB-7 resolution dated September 28, which ordered the release of LCT Kapitan and its ore cargo.

Aratea argued that the decision of acting MGB-7 director Roger De Dios was irregular because the shipment was not covered with proper permits.

De Dios released the shipment despite Aratea’s complaint after Reynaldo Chua and Teofisto Coronel, who claimed to be the owners of the shipment, paid a fine of P5,000 for a simple violation that they failed to bring the original copy of the permit to transport the ore.

De Dios said the release was made after the shipper was able to present the original copy of the permit and that there was no more legal basis for them to continue holding the shipment.

However, Aratea said the permit which was allegedly made as basis in releasing the shipment was only valid until September 15. He claimed that De Dios committed a serious error in releasing the barge and its cargo because the permit was already expired.

Aratea added that it was also questionable why De Dios failed to inform him of the resolution when they had a hearing on the day the resolution was issued. He noted that it was surprising why the resolution was released after office hours.

Aratea is hoping that the resolution will be reversed and that the ore shipment be seized. – Fred P. Languido/LPM